After-Hours Concerns and FHO Oversight: What You Need to Know
Dear SGFP Members,
Last week the Ministry of Health (MOH) decided to send letters to approximately 75 Family Health Organizations (FHOs) concerning after-hours requirements and suggesting that these groups are not meeting the required terms of their contracts. I understand that receiving these letters from MOH is both challenging and stressful for physicians, particularly for those who have been identified for issues such as ‘outside use’ or after-hours coverage.
Please know that SGFP is working closely with the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) to support our members during this time. The OMA has assured us they are in discussions with the Ministry to ensure a fair and transparent approach to these concerns. If you have questions about the contents of these letters or the data used to review your FHO’s performance, we encourage you to contact the OMA at info@oma.org for support.
The SGFP is actively engaged in this situation and will provide further updates as we receive more information. We remain committed to advocating for our members and ensuring that family doctors receive the support they need to provide quality care to their patients.
As we transition into fall, I hope you had a chance to rest and recharge over the summer. If you missed it, you can read our August Chair’s Letter here. With the arbitration decision looming and the typically busy fall season ahead—filled with back-to-school demands and a surge in illnesses—we anticipate significant challenges. As we face these issues, please know that we are here to support you.
Warm regards,
Dr. David Barber
Chair, Section on General and Family Practice
Other Resources
- The inaugural "Skin Basics for Primary Care" event will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10 AM to 4:30 PM EDT at the Marriott Eaton Centre Hotel. The program covers a range of skin conditions, including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and more. Early bird registration is CAD$60+HST until October 14, 2024, and can be done at www.skinbasics.ca. For inquiries, contact bernice@simplyeventful.com or call (604) 738-8600.
- The Institute for Behavioural & Functional Medicine will launch a new OHIP-funded virtual clinic next month, offering care across Ontario for chronic health issues such as insomnia, fatigue, headache, hypertension, lower back pain, and persistent concussion symptoms. The clinic will provide evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) programs, including CBT-i specifically for insomnia. For more information, visit ibfmed.ca/mds-nps.
- Resource Sharing: If you have information about a news item, policy, survey or event you wish to share with SGFP members, please review the criteria and provide the following required information for us to include in this section of the newsletter. Please send this submission to: ChairLetterSGFP@outlook.com