The client is our business. They are at the heart of what we do and why we do it.

York Region protects the health and safety of citizens in the region through the three main operating branches of the Health Services Department: Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Long Term Care and Seniors (LTC) and Public Health.

In 2001, York Region entered its second year of operational responsibility for land ambulance service. At year-end, Primary and Advanced Care Paramedics staffed up to 22 fully equipped ambulances, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Population growth, demographic aging and increasing traffic volumes have created a steady increase in demand for ambulance service. To help meet this demand, four additional ambulances and 44 paramedics were integrated into EMS deployment plans in 2001.

Paramedics are certified to carry out certain delegated medical acts. Advanced Care Paramedics can provide additional, potentially life-saving procedures to their clients. In 2001, 23 Paramedics graduated from the Advanced Care Paramedic Program, bringing York Region EMS one step closer to achieving its goal of bringing Advanced Care Paramedic services to every area of the Region.

The number of seniors is projected to grow by 190% over the next 20 years. Many of these seniors will need help to function in the community or will require complex care from a long term care facility. To enhance the Region’s ability to care for its aging population, significant renovations and new constructions have been scheduled for the Newmarket Health Centre long term care facility. In 2001, construction phases one and two were substantially completed, with the final two phases scheduled for completion in 2003.

Independent living is impossible for some members of our community, especially those with psychiatric needs and complex cognitive impairments. The Advanced Skills in Dementia and Psychiatric Care Certificate offers specialized training for long term care facility staff who work with clients with mental health needs. By the end of 2001, approximately 80% of long term care staff had completed the program.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus which was first isolated in the West Nile province of Uganda in 1937. Although infections from the virus are extremely rare, symptoms in humans can range from mild flu-like symptoms to encephalitis. In 2001 the first known Canadian reports of WNV occurred, including confirmed cases in birds in York Region. Health Services created a WNV contingency plan to keep residents up to date on WNV reports, precautions and information.

Health programs must be founded on ongoing, relevant data about the health status of local residents. In 2001, the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) was introduced to survey residents monthly on a variety of health-related issues. The information gathered will help both plan and evaluate the continued high-quality health services that residents expect, need and deserve.

“To each and every one of you please accept my thanks…There were hugs, smiles, clean beds, baths, meals, in fact total care in all its details. To all of you, my appreciation and gratitude.”

Sincerely,

Ann MacMillan