Milton Part of New Regional Strategy to Improve Access to Family Doctors

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

The Connected Care Halton Ontario Health Team (CCHOHT) and Halton Healthcare have launched a comprehensive Primary Health Care Action Plan aimed at improving access to family doctors, nurse practitioners, and team‑based care across Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville.

The plan, developed with input from physicians, health professionals, caregivers, and patient and family partners, outlines a coordinated strategy to strengthen primary care and ensure residents can access the right care when and where they need it.

According to CCHOHT, more than 41,000 Halton residents currently do not have a primary care provider, contributing to delayed diagnoses, gaps in care, and increased pressure on local emergency departments. The new plan seeks to close that gap through four key pillars: connection, access, integration, and equity.

The strategy includes a coordinated process to match residents with primary care providers and the creation of local Health Hubs. It also expands access to interprofessional care teams—such as nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, and community paramedics—so residents can receive more comprehensive care closer to home.

A new Primary Care Network will also be established to support local providers, improve communication, and reduce administrative burdens through tools like e‑referrals and shared provider databases. The plan further emphasizes culturally safe and inclusive care, with targeted outreach to vulnerable or unattached populations.

“This plan builds on the province’s goal that every Ontarian will be connected to a primary care provider by 2029 and reflects the unique needs of Halton’s growing and diverse population,” said Zoe Dawe, Executive Director of the Connected Care Halton Ontario Health Team. “It puts people first and connects them to the care and supports they need close to home.”

Halton Healthcare says the plan will help strengthen transitions between hospitals and community care. “A strong and connected primary care system leads to better patient outcomes,” said Elma Hrapovich, Director of Community Integration & Primary Health Care. “We are expanding programs so people can bridge the gap between hospitals and primary care.”

Dr. Kristianna Martiniuk, Clinical Lead for Primary Care Advancement at CCHOHT, noted that the plan also addresses the pressures facing family doctors and nurse practitioners. “By improving communication and streamlining processes, providers can spend less time on paperwork and more time with patients.”

The plan aligns with Ontario’s provincial Primary Care Action Plan and will be implemented in partnership with local providers, community organizations, and provincial partners. Progress will be monitored and reported annually.

The full report is available at www.connectedcarehalton.ca.