No images? Click here In This Issue - September 2021
Physicians' CornerIn this month's Physicians' Corner broadcast, Dr. Hirji answers your questions about
View the video HERE or click play on the video image below. Don't forget, up to date information can be found on our FAQs for health care professionals webpage. Don't see the response to your question? Call our COVID-19 Health Care Professionals information line Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. at 905-688-8248 (press 7 then press 1) or email the primary care & stakeholder engagement advisor at hcpengagement@niagararegion.ca. UPDATE: The COVID-19 Pandemic & Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)Last October we shared that there is growing evidence of increased Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) due to the consequences of the initial COVID-19 lockdown on families, children, and broader society. The additional stay at home orders, school and childcare closures were unprecedented in their extent and duration, which presents increased risk to children and families. We know from a Public Health Ontario rapid review that
What role can primary care play? Primary care providers have the opportunity to identify and address ACEs exposures, and support families by connecting them with community supports and services that help to
Please consider connecting any families who could benefit from community supports and services, with Niagara Parents by using the Child & Family Support referral form. Additional resources: UPDATE: Public Health Sexual Health Centre Reopens Welland and Niagara Falls LocationsThe Niagara Falls and Welland Sexual Health Centres have reopened as of September 27, 2021. Our Fort Erie location remains closed.
The Sexual Health Centres are currently seeing clients in three locations by appointment only. Same day appointments are possible. Sexual Health Centre services remain limited and underserved clients are prioritized. HPV treatment is not available. Please continue to see your own patients for sexual health testing, routine pap tests, STI treatments and prenatal care. Reduced cost birth control and emergency contraceptives, and free condoms are available at the Sexual Health Centres. If your patients will be accessing the Sexual Health Centre, please have them call 905-688-3817 or 1-800-263-5757 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Note that the centres are closed between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm. Walk-ins available for free condoms only. REVIEW: 2021-2022 Influenza Immunization ProgramThe Ministry of Health has notified Public Health Units of initial plans for the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) in Ontario. Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH) expects to distribute some influenza vaccine to physicians’ offices in early October (initial allotment for vulnerable and high-risk groups), with more vaccine being available into November (subsequent orders will be accepted based on availability). Therefore, community based clinics and clinics for general population should be planned for November and ongoing, when more vaccine inventory is anticipated; however, you can plan to immunize those in high-risk group one and health care providers as soon as you receive vaccine. The Ministry will continue to supply influenza vaccines to pharmacies this year (Note: Pharmacy vaccines are NOT distributed via NRPH). More information on the provinces 2021/2022 Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) including vaccines available for the 2021/22 UIIP are listed on the Ministry’s website. Further communications will be shared by our Vaccine Preventable Disease program in the coming weeks. REVIEW: Community Paramedicine for LTCIn May, EMS introduced a new program called “Community Paramedicine for Long Term Care” (CPLTC). The goal of CPLTC is to keep individuals stabilized and in their own homes for as long as possible by providing 24/7 access, responsive, proactive and safe community paramedicine services for non-emergency procedures, as well as provide health system navigation support. This CPLTC program will replace High Intensity Supports at Home program, and will provide services for
Starting in January, 2022, EMS will be increasing CPLTC to a full compliment of Community Paramedics (CPs) offering clients 24/7 access to care. In-home services may include
To refer: Physicians are able to make a direct CPLTC referral to EMS or via a Care Coordinator at Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) for seniors who are on a LTC waitlist, awaiting LTC assessment or other circumstances. To refer a patient, please use the EMS Community Paramedicine High User & LTC Program referral form. OPPORTUNITY: Breastfeeding – Making a Difference (Level Two)Niagara Region Public Health is once again hosting a 3-day virtual (LIVE) workshop series for healthcare providers in Niagara who currently work with expectant or new parents as well as their families. This session is level two in the Breastfeeding – Making a Difference series. If you have taken level one, this course is for you! Don't wait! Registration deadline is Oct. 8, 2021. Visit the website for more information and to register. This series will take place on Wednesday November 3rd, 10th and 17th, 2021. Topics will build on the information presented in the Level 1 course (prerequisite). Keynote Speaker: Kathy O’Grady Venter, RN, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, BFI Assessor for the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada, and Educator for Quintessence Foundation Note: Participants must attend all three session dates and to be eligible to receive 18L Contact IBLCE CERPS (Continuing Education Recognition Points). MEDICAL ADVISORIES & MEMOS
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