Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion Presentation for: Public Policy Forum September 25, 2008
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Creation of the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion Numerous external reports recommended the creation of a public health agency for Ontario including: Naylor Report (Oct 03), Walker Interim Report (Dec 03), Campbell Reports (Apr. 04, Dec 04), Walker SARS Expert Panel Report (Apr 04), Haines Report (Jul 04), Walker Legionnaire s Report (Dec 05), CMOH 2005 Annual Report. Common to all reports was the need to establish arm s-length body with focus on provision of scientific and technical support to: Government; Public Health Units; and Front-line Care Workers. 3
Why? The challenge of perceptions of non-health matters influencing decisions The challenge of undertaking science in a Ministry The Challenge of recruitment to key Medical positions (Medical Microbiology, Infectious Disease Physicians Speed The evolving reality of the Healthcare labour market The need to have a specialised structure to address specialised functions that fit uneasily into a traditional Ministry structure.
Agency Implementation Task Force MANDATE To provide scientific and technical advice for those working to protect and promote the health of Ontarians VISION We will be an internationally recognized centre of expertise dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Ontarians through the application and advancement of science and knowledge MISSION We are accountable to support health care providers, the public health system and partner ministries in making informed decisions and taking informed action to improve the health and security of all Ontarians, through the transparent and timely provision of credible scientific advice and practical tools. 5
Legislated Objects of the Agency To provide scientific and technical advice and support to the health care system and the Ontario Government. To develop, disseminate and advance public health knowledge, best practices and research. To inform and contribute to policy development. To develop, collect, use, analyse and disclose data. To undertake, promote and co-ordinate public health research. To provide education and professional development. To establish, operate and maintain laboratory centers. To serve as a model for bridging infection control and occupational health and safety. To undertake research related to evaluation modes of transmission of febrile respiratory illness and the risk to health workers. As directed by the CMOH, to provide advice and support in emergencies. 6
AITF Approach to Validation of Core Model Approaches Validated Areas Enablers & Infrastructure Lessons learned from other jurisdictions Roundtables and targeted sessions Commissioned Research Multi stakeholder Reference Panel Infectious Diseases Health Promotion, Chronic Diseases & Injury Prevention Environmental Health Emergency Management Support Validated Functions Surveillance and Epidemiology Knowledge Exchange Research Specialized Laboratory Diagnostics Professional Development Communication Governance Legislation Role definition & MOUs Partnerships Human Resources Communications IT 7
AREAS OF SPECIALISATION Key Directions AGENCY CLIENTS Public Health Units Health Care Providers Partner Ministries Infectious disease and infection prevention and control Surveillance and epidemiology Research Knowledge exchange Laboratory services Professional development Communication Health promotion, chronic disease and injury prevention Environmental health Support in Emergency and Exigent Circumstances FUNCTIONS 8
The Agency Nexus Local, Provincial, National and Global Public Health Agencies Health Services Organizations and Providers Universities and Research Institutes 9
Board Update Founding Board appointed in the summer of 2007: Dr. David Walker Chair; Dr. Terry Sullivan Vice-chair; Dr. Michael Christian; Judith Tompkins; Dr. Richard Massé, and; Dr. Liana Nolan; The selection process for the remaining seats on the Board commenced in January 2008 with Board recommendations forwarded to the Minister in March 2008. Ministerial decision still pending. A recent Cabinet shuffle has added to the delay. The Board has met regularly since September 2007. The start-up phase is focused on governance (i.e. MOU, conflict of interest guidelines, first by-laws) and labs transfer. Board participated in its first strategic planning session in November 2007. A second strategic planning session focused on labs occurred in January 2008. Board commenced work on its first strategic plan in June 2008. Additional board members appointed fall of 2008: Ron Yamada - Dr. Alan Meek 10
Agency Strategic Plan Development Task Force recommended approach for the Agency to develop their Strategic Plan Intra-Ministry Committee - identifies MOHLTC priorities for Agency consideration Inter-Ministry Committee - identifies Ministries priorities for Agency consideration Agency Strategic Planning Committee - reviews input from Ministry Committees - recommends Strategic Plan for Board Approval Agency Board of Directors - approves Strategic Plan Field Input through surveys, regular for a and needs analysis: - Public Health Units - Organisations - RICNs -Etc. Agency Strategic Plan Approved - provided to MOHLTC through an annual business plan - implemented by Agency 11
Strategic Plan Will build on previous consultations Start with broad range of draft objectives Ensure opportunity for further input Realistic expectations Pace of activity to match resources Engagement with new CMOH Key issues to consider in the strategic plan Broader agency objectives vs laboratory Academic/research vs government/field Infectious disease vs chronic disease Balance between local and regional priorities and emerging provincial priorities 12
Staffing Dr. Vivek Goel announced as the Agency s inaugural President and CEO on March 4, 2008. Official start date was July 1, 2008. Phil Jackson appointed as the Vice-President of Strategy and Planning (July 1, 2008). Denise Arsenault appointed as the inaugural CAO effective July 28, 2008. The Agency is currently recruiting Senior Leaders: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Information Officer Vice President Knowledge Exchange Directors of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Research, Infectious Disease and Infection Prevention and Control, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Environmental Health Advertising in the Globe and Mail, Longwoods e-letter, CCHSE, and the Ontario Health Promotion E-Bulletin September 18, 2008 announcement: Dr. Michael Gardam, Director Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Dr. Natasha Crowcroft, Director of Surveillance and Epidemiology Dr. Heather Manson, Senior Medical Advisor to the President Careers tab on the Agency website: www.oahpp.ca 13
Top Level Staffing Model President and CEO Director Office of the President Director Emergency Management Support VP- Administration CAO VP Strategy & Planning VP & Chief Scientific Officer VP Knowledge Exchange & Communications Finance Surveillance & Epidemiology Infectious Disease & Infection Prevention and Control Human Resources Research Health Promotion, Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention Information Technology Laboratories Environmental Health Real Estate 14
Transition and Start up Activities A Transition Team has been established to assist with implementation of several key initiatives, including the continued development of the Agency's governance, accountability and administrative structures and policies. Its current focus is working with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on plans and agreements necessary for the proposed transfer of the Ontario Public Health Laboratories to the Agency later this year involving over 600 staff and 12 locations. (Fall 2008) It is also addressing longer-term initiatives such as lab reform, information management and technology, and facilities planning. Temporary project space at 415 Yonge Street, 16 th floor Moving to interim head office at 480 University Avenue in the Fall A search is currently underway for a permanent home for the Agency and Central Public Health Laboratory 15
Implementation Key Milestones Year 1 (07/08) Board and CEO in place (focus on start-up operations) Year 2 (08/09) Senior leadership in place and staff recruitment underway; capacity for resources in infectious diseases and response in emergency and exigent circumstances; OPHL transfer anticipated Year 3 (09/10) Agency in operation in key areas providing scientific and technical expertise in all areas of specialization 16
Dobrow et al, Soc Sci Med, 2006
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