Phase 1 of Vision 2013 became a reality on June 19th with the consolidation of our four adult outpatient physiotherapy programs to the St. Marys and Seaforth sites.

The Physiotherapy planning group has been working over the last several months to standardize processes and move to our new model. There is no change to our physiotherapy staff complement although you will see new faces in new places. Lisa Barton will be joining the St. Marys team and working full time from the St. Marys site. Shawn Harvey and Jana VanRooyen, physiotherapists, and Tammy Hutton, rehab assistant, will provide coverage to Seaforth and to Clinton inpatients and Korey Graham, rehab assistant, will continue to provide coverage at the Seaforth site. Mark Hopkins will join the inpatient physiotherapy team at the Stratford site.

The principles of Vision 2013 include supporting equitable access to services for patients based on clinical priority; reducing duplication of services; adjusting to human resources challenges; promoting person centered care; having all professionals work to their scope of practice; and providing evidence based best practice standards. This consolidation from four departments to one program at two sites also ensures that Clinton inpatients continue to receive physiotherapy; St. Marys and Seaforth inpatients will now have daily inpatient physiotherapy available and there will be enhanced inpatient coverage at the Stratford site. We are also creating a stronger rehab staff pool at the Clinton, Seaforth and St. Marys sites for coverage for vacations and sick leaves. Through the standardization of processes and staff working to their full scope of practice, we anticipate maintaining a similar level of outpatient services. Patients will have their choice of either site for outpatient physiotherapy services.

With respect to parking, an additional three rehab parking spots will be assigned at the St. Marys site in the same area as is presently designated.  Four parking spaces will be available at the Seaforth site, immediately adjacent to the parking lot entrance closest to the main entrance. The designated handicapped parking will remain in its current locations.

This is a significant step forward in advancing Vision 2013. Many thanks to the Physiotherapy Planning Team for their work over the last several months to work through all the necessary details.

Mary Cardinal, Vice President, Clinical Programs