North East Specialized Geriatric Services, which operates at the North East Centre of Excellence for Seniors’ Health, celebrated its grand opening today.
North East Specialized Geriatric Services is a multidisciplinary team of health care providers who provide specialized care for seniors with complex health needs, as well as expert resources for health care professionals and caregivers throughout northeastern Ontario.
The team’s direction is guided by the North East Specialized Geriatric Services Advisory Panel, a group of health experts from across the region, chaired by Ward 8 Coun. Ted Callaghan.
“It is a known fact that our population in Greater Sudbury is aging,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez.
“This team, dedicated to providing holistic care for our seniors and resources for their caregivers, is incredibly valuable, not only to the Greater Sudbury community, but also to residents across northern Ontario. I would like to thank the members of this team, the advisory panel that guides its direction, and the funding partners who have helped to make this happen. We would not be here today without all of you.”
The team offers patient consultation in a clinic setting, home visits for those who are unable to attend the clinic, telemedicine consultation, as well as regional outreach and education.
“Our purpose is to help the frail older adult stay in the community longer by intervening to reverse and or modify the factors that contribute to a persons’ functional decline. These factors may be medical, social or psychological, and therefore require a multidisciplinary approach” explains Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke, geriatrician and clinical lead of the service.
“I am proud of our government's contribution to the north's first centre for specialized geriatric services located here in Sudbury,” said Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci.
“I commend the City of Greater Sudbury, the proponents of the North East Regional Geriatric Program and the McGuinty government for their efforts and dedication in bringing this project to reality.”
While the team has a permanent location in Greater Sudbury, outreach clinics are also held throughout Northeastern Ontario. These clinics serve residents from the districts of Algoma, Nipissing, Cochrane, Timiskaming,Manitoulin/Sudbury and Parry Sound, allowing seniors to access the care they require without the added burden of travelling.
Patients must be referred to North East Specialized Geriatric Services by a health care provider.
The North East Centre of Excellence for Seniors' Health is the first comprehensive, long-term care and wellness centre of its kind for senior citizens in morthern Ontario.
It is located on the Pioneer Manor site, and includes: Pioneer Manor, The City of Lakes Family Health Team, Sudbury Manitoulin Alzheimer’s Society, The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and North East Specialized Geriatric Services.
