Connecting People, Building Partnerships, Improving Health
Learn about the Elgin Ontario Health Team: our purpose, vision, and the people working together to improve health and wellbeing in our community.
A Collaborative Approach to Health and Wellbeing
The Elgin Ontario Health Team (Elgin OHT) officially formed in 2021. We are a group of community members, care providers, and community organizations. We help transform regional services to respond to the health needs of the people of St. Thomas and Elgin.
Serving Communities Across Elgin
This map provides a general overview of the area where the municipal boundaries of St. Thomas and Elgin generally align with those of our local service providers. We also work closely with our neighbours from the Middlesex London Ontario Health Team, Oxford Ontario Health Team, and Chatham Kent Ontario Health Team.
A Strong Network of Partners
Ontario Health Teams offer a new way for health and care providers to work together as one coordinated team – no matter where they provide care.
Our Values & Guiding Principles
Respect & Trust
We will treat each other fairly and with dignity. We will listen to one another without judgement and seek to understand and appreciate other perspectives. We are committed to strengthening our relationships through honest and open communication and will share information and knowledge in pursuit of our common goals.
Accountability & Integrity
We will honour our commitments to each other and the people and communities we serve. We will be open and transparent about our decisions and actions and will take responsibility for their outcomes and impacts.
Diversity and Inclusion
We value diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment.
Person-Centric and Wholistic
We will put the person at the centre of our designs and plans for the Elgin OHT to meet the needs of the whole person.
Innovation and Courage
We will be driven by innovation, creativity and a willingness to change the status quo. We will put the needs of the people and communities we serve above the needs of our organizations.
Collaboration and Meaningful Engagement
We will embrace the spirit of collaboration and are committed to meaningful engagement with our patients/clients and their families, our partners, and our communities. You can read more about the Declaration of Values for Ontario.
A Symbol of Our Values
Building on these themes, Elgin OHT partners are working together to bridge our current health care system to one that is a better and more coordinated system of care in our community.
Purpose
The colours of “Healthy Green” and “Diversity Purple” in our logo align with our purpose of working together for a healthier Elgin. We are shaping the care system so people feel welcome, safe, and dignified.
Inclusivity
The arch in our logo represents inclusivity and an intention to bridge gaps in health and social care services. We are committed to collaboration and meaningful engagement to help people connect to the care and support services they need. This includes embracing the unique cultural needs and traditions of all members of our community, such as the local Indigenous and Low German communities.
Heritage
The arch in Elgin OHT’s logo also represents the critical role Elgin’s heritage railways played in the history and development of the region. The connections provided by railways brought economic prosperity, improved transportation, and contributed to the growth of communities.
Learn more about Ontario Health Teams
The Elgin OHT is part of a province-wide effort to make healthcare in Ontario more coordinated and people-focused. There are currently 58 OHTs working in their local communities to improve Ontario's healthcare system. Ontario Health Teams bring together a wide range of local health and social care providers and community members, who collaborate to coordinate care across settings and ensure patients experience more connected, seamless support.