A paramedicine pilot project in Chatham-Kent will continue.
The program allows paramedics to provide routine healthcare to underserved and rural populations who lack access to primary care and use 911 for non-urgent reasons.
The Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network says the hard numbers aren't in yet but the program is getting good feedback.
LHIN CEO Ralph Ganter says the program is more efficient and provides better care.
"We've received some sustainable funding from the ministry to continue these projects and one of our commitments is the project that's taking place in Chatham-Kent. We want to continue it with the funding so that the good work taking place with it continues," says Ganter.
Hard data measuring the success of the paramedicine program should be available in a couple of months.
Ganter says the LHIN is looking at expanding the program to Windsor-Essex and Sarnia-Lambton because the need is there as well.
Ganter says these programs work to ease the pressure on emergency departments.
"The evidence that's seen across the province is that programs such as this really do help prevent some emergency department visits and perhaps even admissions," Ganter says.
Ganter says the program eases the burden on paramedics.
"Get to people while they're perhaps lonely or if they're emerging into a crisis. These people who are in the area and are very well trained professionals check in with the people because they know who they are and that way we get better healthcare outcomes and better satisfaction overall," says Ganter.
