The Bancroft and North Hastings Family Health Teams have started discussions on partnering together.
Both FHTs were formed within a year of each other. Board of Directors Vice Chair with NHFHT John O’Donnell says that it was “out of the norm” for two FHTs to be created in the same area. He says, though, that both FHTs were formed with different models.
This potential partnership is being worked on because both FHTs want to give high-quality health care and better service to those who need it. The discussions will focus on figuring out a model that works for both FHTs. O’Donnell says that they’re going to be looking at what other communities have done to help figure out what a good model could be. He added that nothing will be off the table.
The discussions will include O’Donnell, Board Chair with the Bancroft FHT Dr. Greg Cooper, Dr. Alex Ferreira of the BFHT and Board Member with NHFHT Phyllis Till. Mayor Paul Jenkins will also be there to represent the best interests of Bancroft.
Dr. Cooper believes that this will be better for the patients. He says it will be better for the physicians as well.
O’Donnell says that this is a great way to build on both team’s strengths. He added that by combining the two FHTs, it will allow the teams to work better. Instead of splitting up funding, it will now to go one FHT, he says.
It’s expected that a decision will be made on the partnership by early October at the latest.