Wednesday, March 09, 2011
State-of-the-Art Program for Treating Blood Clots
Goal is to improve care, reduce costs
March 9, 2011 - The Champlain LHIN is providing $250,000 in annual funding for a new regional thrombosis program to treat people diagnosed with blood clots. The investment means patients in the Champlain region will have better access to top-notch care, no matter where they live.
The program, led by The Ottawa Hospital, is expanding across the Champlain region. Through sharing of medical expertise and the use of technology, patients can receive care closer to home and in the language of their choice.
Satellite thrombosis clinics have begun operations at Montfort Hospital and Pembroke Regional Hospital, with two new clinics opening soon at Hawkesbury & District General Hospital and Cornwall Community Hospital. Discussions are underway to develop a satellite at Renfrew Victoria Hospital.
“The Ottawa Hospital Thrombosis Program wanted to make sure patients in our LHIN had access to world-class care, regardless of their postal code," said Dr. Marc Rodger, who has spearheaded the regional program as chief of hematology at The Ottawa Hospital.
Each year in the Champlain region, 10,000 individuals have suspected blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Of those, 2,000 cases are confirmed. Patients are usually prescribed blood-thinners, known as anticoagulation medications, for lengthy periods of time.
The new program will reduce hospital admissions by safely managing patients recovering from blood clots in outpatient clinics and in some cases, at home through telephone support. When fully implemented, the new model of care is expected to save the health system in Champlain an estimated $2 million per year.
“The program provides state-of-the-art and accessible care for patients who need timely attention,” says Alex Munter, Champlain LHIN CEO. “It’s an example of the sort of integrated approach that the LHIN is fostering in partnership with health-service providers.”
Source: Champlain Local Health Integration Network
Email: champlain@lhins.on.ca
Website: www.champlainlhin.on.ca
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