Where do we look for direction to guide our work? Maybe it’s our education, research, experiences, influence from colleagues and mentors . . . maybe it’s a combination of all the above. Now ask yourself, of the above, what single factor has impacted and changed the way that you do things for the better? Is it experience? While education and research help to ground and support the direction of our work, it is our experiences that take things to another level. We see for ourselves what works, what doesn’t and why some things that should theoretically work or make sense, simply don’t.

As changing health needs continue to challenge Ontario’s healthcare system, we see that communities have been struggling to access and navigate health and social services and information in a simple and timely way. This has also been true for our local communities of Hamilton, Haldimand and Niagara Northwest. Ontarians are looking for a solution, they want access anytime, anywhere, and in a way that is personalized to their needs. As part of the Greater Hamilton Health Network OHT strategic plan, our goal is to better connect our local populations to care by providing them with a single “Digital Front Door” to their health care needs.health experts regarding the environmental impacts of health care, we have begun to research environmental sustainability among our partners.

Haldimand County, located along the north shore of Lake Erie and the Grand River, is home to charming rural communities, with notable cultural sites featuring an abundance of natural attractions to enjoy. This county’s close-knit community is located a mere 20km south of Hamilton, which serves as the closest urban centre for service provision, employment, and healthcare to many local residents.