North East LHIN appoints new primary care lead

Sault Ste. Marie family physician Dr. Alan McLean has been named the North East Local Health Integration Network's primary care lead.

A program that will give you faster access to your family physician and helping “orphan” patients access care are among some of the priorities McLean is looking at in his new role.

He will work closely with the North East LHIN to strengthen and align primary care planning and help build a more accessible system of care for northerners, said a press release from the North East LHIN.

The position was previously held by Sudbury physician Dr. Tim Zmijowskyj, who gave up the role after moving to Ottawa in September.

McLean will continue his responsibilities as lead physician for The Superior Family Health Team and Sault Family Health Organization, and preceptor with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

“Dr. McLean is a great addition to our team,” said Louise Paquette, CEO of the North East LHIN.

“Primary care is the first point of contact people have with the health-care system and Dr. McLean’s extensive experience will help us strengthen primary care services in Northeastern Ontario.”

Primary care options in the North East include: 27 family health teams, 538 family physicians, one group health centre in Sault Ste Marie (34 family physicians), six community health centres, six nurse practitioner-led clinics, 16 nursing stations, and three Aboriginal health centres.

“My goal is to increase local access to primary care services,” said McLean.

“I look forward to meeting with fellow physicians, nurse practitioners, and other primary-care providers to focus planning for the people and patients who need them most.”

Supporting his work will be Jennifer Wallenius, Sault Ste Marie primary-care officer with the NE LHIN.

Wallenius has been meeting with physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other primary-care providers over the past five months, developing a clear picture of the current state of primary care in the northeast and goals that the North East LHIN can focus on over the next three years.

Across the province, LHINs have been building partnerships with local primary-care providers.

The introduction of a Primary Care Lead in each of the province’s 14 LHINs in 2011 was endorsed by both the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ontario Medical Association.

It is also in line with the government’s Action Plan for Health Care commitment to bring planning for the full patient journey under the LHINs, the press release said.

Through this collaborative work, local primary-care providers are strengthening partnerships and focusing on system initiatives identified by the LHIN through extensive community engagement to address local health-care challenges.