The Northern Health Region (NHR) and a First Nations health provider have signed an agreement that promises to strengthen relations and improve patient care.
The statement of intent involves the NHR and the Opaskwayak Health Authority (OHA), the health arm of Opaskwayak Cree Nation near The Pas.
“In the past, jurisdictional issues have complicated the relationship between the two health authorities,” said Helga Bryant, CEO of the NHR. “We have chosen to focus on what we can do cooperatively together and let governments continue their ongoing work and discussions.”
The statement of intent lists four initial key health care programs and support to be delivered as part of the agreement: access to primary care services, electronic medical records, mental health programming and specialist / consultant visits.
“We welcome this signing as a way to formalize the mechanisms for collaboration that will achieve improved health through ‘Healthy People, Healthy North’ and ‘minoyawin katoskatamak’ [Working Together for Health],” said Doug Lauvstad, chair of the NHR board, referencing both organizations’ vision statements.
Glen Ross, interim executive director of the OHA, said Opaskwayak Cree Nation is already benefitting from additional services provided at OHA’s Beatrice Wilson Health Centre as a result of collaboration with the NHR.
“I am confident our shared experience and trust will serve us well as we work toward expanding services,” said Ross. “The statement of intent provides the guidelines to help us achieve more together.”
Both parties said the statement of intent will result in Opaskwayak Cree Nation people having an increased choice in where they access health care.
– Compiled from a Northern Health Region release
