Ontario is expanding Rapid Access Clinics across the province to help people with hip, knee and lower back pain access the right treatment faster, following a successful pilot program.
The Erie St. Clair LHIN, who oversees health care spending in Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton and Windsor-Essex, received $1.39 million in annualized base operational funding to allocate towards supporting capacity and operations of regional Rapid Access Clinics.
“Musculoskeletal pain can be debilitating and interfere with a person’s quality of life,” stated Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minster of Health and Long-Term Care.
“That’s why Ontario is investing in a central intake system to ensure those who suffer from pain in their hips, knees and lower back can access assessments and treatment options faster and closer to home.”
The new clinics will help people with pain in their muscles or bones get the treatment and specialized care they need by reducing unnecessary medical procedures, including imaging and surgery, LHIN officials say.
“We know that as our resident’s age they will have more issues arise with back pain, arthritis, hips and knees, and pain from injuries,” stated Ralph Ganter, CEO, Erie St. Clair LHIN.
“The Erie St. Clair investment into Musculoskeletal care means that we can help more people in our communities access the right treatments, in a timely manner, closer to home.”
LHIN officials say the clinics will also improve wait times through a coordinated intake and triage process, with patients better able to access the right education and treatment options faster, which could include referrals to proven alternatives to surgery and pain medication like physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment.
Patients will be referred by family physicians to Rapid Access Clinics, where they will be seen within four weeks and given an assessment.
LHIN officials say they are still establishing where the funds will be allocated across the region with the goal of ensuring the most impact for each dollar.
