Health partnership creates 'culturally safe' care for Indigenous peoples

The Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc., a core partner of the Maamwesying Ontario Health Team, and North Shore Health Network signed a collaboration agreement to seal their commitment to delivering culturally sensitive, patient-centered, and equitable health care for Indigenous peoples in the North East Area, a news release said.

This signifies a major stride towards achieving the Ontario Health Team's overarching objective of providing "collaborative and integrated care."

The collaboration underscores a transformative approach to health care, embracing unique cultural knowledge, traditional practices, and medicines. It champions community designed, innovative, and culturally safe Indigenous-driven health systems.

The Maamwesying Ontario Health Team was announced in October of 2022 to integrate health-care services for clients in the communities of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Serpent River First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, Thessalon First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, Michipicoten First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation, Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation, and Brunswick House First Nation, as well as the urban Indigenous population in Sault Ste. Marie.

"This agreement reaffirms the value of Indigenous peoples and their right to self-determination within the healthcare system. Together, we recognize the collective long-term goal of creating a healthcare system free from racism and discrimination," said  CEO of Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc./Chair of the Maamwesying Ontario Health Team Leadership Council Carol Eshkakogan.

Year one initiatives for the Maamwesying Ontario Health Team focus on three priority areas: Improving Transitions in Care, Reducing Non-Traumatic Lower Limb Amputations, and enhancing access to Digital Health tools and services, the release added.

The collaboration aims to improve access to quality care, enhance patient, caregiver, and provider satisfaction, foster equitable and culturally safe care, and promote the efficient use of healthcare resources.

The partnership actively involves Indigenous health leaders and advisers in the planning, design, delivery, and evaluation of health services, ensuring a holistic and community-driven approach.

"This collaboration sets a positive precedent for the future of health care in Indigenous communities. It focuses on ensuring that care is culturally sensitive, patient-centered, and equitable."  said President and CEO of NSHN Tim Vine.