The West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team is excited to announce the appointment of Ellen Walker as its first Executive Director. This significant milestone marks a pivotal step in advancing regional participation in this provincial health system transformation.
Ontario Health Teams are regional collaborative networks, approved by the Provincial government, that are designed to coordinate comprehensive health care services for everyone in the team’s catchment communities. OHTs aim to bring together a diverse range of health system organizations, including hospitals, primary care providers, mental health services, long-term care facilities, and community organizations to create a seamless patient/client/resident experience. Overseeing the work of the Executive Director is a responsibility of the OHT’s collaboration council. The council is comprised of executive, operational-level, leaders representing the OHT’s constituent members: Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka Parry Sound, Parry Sound Family Health Team, Belvedere Heights LTC, Hospice West Parry Sound, Lakeland LTC, and West Parry Sound Health Centre
Walker has over a decade of experience in health care administration and community engagement. Previously, she served as Manager of Operations for the West Parry Sound Health Centre’s Rural Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic, where she successfully managed an expansion of services across six rural sites spanning over 6000 km2. Walker also led the development of a successful and innovative program that proactively identifies seniors in need of health supports before their health starts to decline. Her studies of Epidemiology at the University of Guelph had a strong focus on Population Health, and her experience in our country’s far north shaped her desire to find ways to amplify diverse voices in a continued effort to work towards an equitable landscape. With a deep commitment to improving access to high-quality, equitable, and sustainable health care, paired with a vision for integrated services, Walker is poised to lead the team in addressing the unique health needs of West Parry Sound communities.
As Executive Director, Walker will work closely with a diverse range of health care providers, community organizations, and stakeholders to ensure a seamless and coordinated approach to health service delivery in the region. She will focus on enhancing access to services, promoting health equity, and addressing social determinants of health.
“I am honoured to take on this role and contribute to the health and well-being of our community,” said Walker. “We know that factors such as housing, income, and employment all play a vital role in an individual’s long-term health outcomes, and I am passionate about approaching health from a system lens. Together, I believe we can optimize the great work being done in our region to create a health care system that prioritizes collaboration and places a person’s experience at the centre of all we do.”
With a leader at the helm the West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team is excited to begin its work. Their first order of business will be to complete a comprehensive needs assessment to fully understand the scope of our community needs and to develop a robust framework to give citizens and stakeholders a voice. Under Walker’s leadership, the team looks forward to advancing its mission and improving health outcomes for all.
For more information about the West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team and its initiatives, please contact info@wpsoht.ca
