The People & Partnerships Powering Our Work

Elgin Ontario Health Team is made up of dedicated individuals, community partners, and healthcare providers working together to improve the health and well-being of people in our region.

Ontario Health Team Members

Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners

Provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias, helping them navigate life with understanding and compassion.

Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin

Offers compassionate palliative and bereavement care to individuals and families navigating end-of-life and grief.

CMHA Thames Valley Addictions and Mental Health Services

Provides mental health and addiction support through counselling, crisis services, and community-based programs tailored to local needs.

CarePartners

Supporting clients with chronic illnesses or frailty, CarePartners offers home-based care, education, and coordination to help keep patients well at home.

Central Community Health Centre

Provides primary care, social services, and health promotion to underserved populations in central Elgin.

Cheshire Independent Living Services

Empowers people with disabilities by providing independent living support, skill training, and community inclusion programs.

City of St. Thomas

The city provides local government services, community programs, economic development initiatives, and supports residents with infrastructure, recreation, and social services to foster a vibrant and connected community.

Closing the Gap Healthcare

Delivers community-based healthcare services focused on improving access and outcomes for patients with chronic or complex needs.

Dale Brain Injury Services

Supports individuals living with acquired brain injuries with rehabilitation, community reintegration, and long-term support.

East Elgin Family Health Team

Provides comprehensive primary and preventive care services to families throughout East Elgin.

Elgin County

The municipal government collaborates with health partners to shape and support community health initiatives across Elgin County.

Mennonite Community Services

Offers community-oriented support such as children's programs, counselling, and services for newcomers and families.

Ontario Health atHome

Delivers a range of home and community care services—including nursing, therapy, and personal support—to help patients remain independent.

PHSS Medical & Complex Care in Community

Offers coordinated medical and support services directly in community settings, ensuring high‑needs patients receive comprehensive care.

Regional HIV/AIDS Connection

Delivers prevention, support, and care services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, promoting health, dignity, and social inclusion.

Southwestern Public Health

The regional public health agency responsible for disease prevention, health promotion, and environmental health oversight.

St. Joseph’s Health Care London

A large regional provider offering acute care, specialized clinical services, and rehabilitation support.

St. Thomas & Elgin Medical Foundation

Represents local family physicians and advocates for the professional, clinical, and organizational needs of primary care providers.

St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital

St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) is a modern community hospital serving St. Thomas and Elgin County, providing 24/7 emergency care, surgical services, diagnostics, mental health programs, women’s and children’s care, and a wide range of specialized clinics.

St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership

ChatGPT said: The St. Thomas–Elgin Local Immigration Partnership (STELIP) is a collaborative initiative that works to build welcoming, caring, and inclusive communities by supporting the integration of newcomers and promoting the value of diversity.

Talbot Family Health Organization

A team of healthcare professionals offering primary care, chronic disease management, and wellness support in Talbot-area communities.

Thames Valley Family Health Team

A multi-disciplinary primary care group delivering patient-focused medical, mental health, and wellness services to families in the Thames Valley area.

The INN

A community hub offering essential services—like meals, shelter, and connections—for individuals experiencing homelessness or risk thereof.

VON

VON provides clinical, personal, and social support to Canadians in their homes and local communities, helping people live well, age in place, and maintain independence.

West Elgin Community Health Centre

Focused on equitable, community-centred healthcare, this centre delivers primary care, social supports, and health promotion in West Elgin.

YWCA of St. Thomas-Elgin

Providing leadership, advocacy, opportunities, and a voice. Empowering women, gender-diverse people, and their families, every day!

Coordinating Council

The Elgin OHT Coordinating Council is the decision-making body of the Elgin OHT. It consists of representatives from the Community Council, St. Thomas Elgin Medical Association, and OHT member organizations.

Karen Davies
President & Chief Executive Officer, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
Ruthann Waldick
Community Member, Representative of the OHT Community Council

Community Council

The Elgin OHT Community Council ensures community perspectives remain at the heart of our decisions. It includes people who have personal experience using healthcare services in Elgin, people who provide support for a family member or friend with health challenges in Elgin, and people who live in and/or or use health or social care services in Elgin.

Jackie Van Ryswyk
Chair
Jennifer Graham
Vice Chair

Primary Care Network

The Elgin Primary Care Network is a community of interest for Elgin’s primary care community. The Network offers a space for sharing, learning, and collective leadership to strengthen the foundation of primary care in the Elgin OHT region.

Dr. Jillian Toogood
Clinical Lead
Dr. Kellie Scott
Clinical Lead

Support Team

The Elgin OHT Support Team reports to the Coordinating Council and provides support to all the various committees and tables to assist in moving the OHT’s work forward.

Christy Cook
Primary Care Transformation Lead
Deanna Huggett
Executive Director
Heather Talbot
Indigenous Health Lead
Lauren Caruana
Project and Implementation Manager
Olusegun Isioye
Data and Digital Lead
Sapneet Sandhu
Technology Coach
Sarah Flowers
Primary Care Mental Health and Addictions Navigator
Tara Kretschmer
Executive Assistant
Tobee Iyiola
Project and Knowledge Translation Coordinator (Mental Health and Addictions)

System Transformation Support Tables

Several sub-committees of the Elgin OHT facilitate our efforts towards making Elgin’s system of care more coordinated, equitable, and easier to use. All sub-committees report to the Coordinating Council. In addition, action teams with local experts and circles of interest drive our strategic initiatives.

Communications and Engagement Sub-Committee

Develops and supports strategies and messaging to engage community members, fostering meaningful partnerships and co-design to advance the work of the Elgin OHT.

Digital Health Sub-Committee

Advances the integration, uptake, and support of digital tools to improve equitable access, quality of care, and system interoperability in Elgin, while collaborating with other sub-committees and aligning with regional and provincial priorities.

Performance and Quality Sub-Committee

Supports the Elgin OHT’s quality framework, creates and monitors improvement plans and indicators, and collaborates with other sub-committees to enhance care quality, equity, and performance tracking.

Planning and Service Sub-Committee

Leads the development and implementation of integrated care pathways, promotes best practices and care coordination, and aligns priorities with other Elgin OHT Sub-Committees to support equitable, high-quality care across the continuum.

Frequently asked questions

How is it determined which people or organizations become part of an OHT?

OHTs are not geographically based. There are no “catchment areas” or firm boundary lines on providers or people seeking and accessing care. Health and social care providers that are connected formally or informally through common referral networks and client bases have the options of becoming a partner in the OHT(s) most relevant to the populations they serve. Attributed population of an OHT is determined by health care utilization patterns and physician networks. Ontarians will continue to access care from their current and existing care providers and continue to choose who provides their care and where it is received.

How are patients, clients, families, and caregivers involved in shaping and planning the Elgin Ontario Health Team?

The Elgin Ontario Health Team requires the leadership of members of our community to help plan how we will deliver health care services in the future. The Community Council provides leadership from the viewpoint of the community and those receiving health care services. The Community Council is made up of patients, clients, family members, and caregivers (collectively referred to as “community members”). Four Community Council representative are also voting members of the Coordinating Council (the decision-making group for the Elgin Ontario Health Team).
In addition, Community Members actively contribute to the various OHT sub-committees and action teams to ensure our collective efforts are led.

Will I lose my doctor?

No. You can be confident that you will continue to receive care from your health care providers and can get care either within or outside of your Ontario Health Team. Ontario Health Teams work on various process improvements with the goal of making it easier to access services and feel better supported as you move from one health care provider or setting to another.

How can I get a family doctor or primary care provider?

Ontario Health Teams are a new model of coordinated care between health and social care providers. Our OHT is not a new healthcare provider/clinic.

If you are seeking a primary care provider/family doctor, you can call 811 or visit Health811 at Ontario.ca/Health811. Medical advice is also available through Health811.
If you experience a medical emergency, proceed directly to the Emergency Department at any local hospital or call 911 for immediate assistance.

Are there opportunities to take part in Elgin OHT initiatives?

Yes, the Elgin OHT has opportunities for health and social care organizations, primary care clinicians, people with lived experience and members of the general public to get involved and contribute to our work. Visit our Connect With Us page to learn about opportunities for engagement and how to make your request.