Improving Access to Health Services

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the delivery of health services to First Nations and Inuit people is efficient, effective and sustainable.

First Nations and Inuit people receive health care services from the following health systems:

• Federally funded health services in First Nations and Inuit communities; and
• Provincial/Territorial health systems.

Health Canada shares an interest with other governments in improving the quality of and access to health services for First Nations people and Inuit. One way is through better coordination of health care services and programs offered by the various health systems (including those operated by First Nations and Inuit communities themselves under Health Transfer or self-government agreements).

Health Integration Initiative

The Health Integration Initiative was created in April 2003 to explore, develop, and analyze models of integration for the improved delivery of health care services and programs to First Nations people and Inuit. It will conclude in March 2006.

Integration is seen as a tool for organizing services behind the scenes so that the patient receives better health care. It involves people working together on a common goal of improving the health of First Nations people and Inuit.

Activities consist of workshops for information sharing, gathering of best practices, and time-limited projects that will explore approaches to integration. Participating partners include First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations, regional and district health authorities, provincial and territorial governments, and Health Canada.

Health Integration Initiative Projects

The Health Integration Initiative has funded eight projects with First Nations and Inuit across Canada.

Eight projects are underway in the following provinces and territory:

• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Ontario
• Manitoba
• Alberta
• Vancouver
• Nunavut

Each project has a distinct focus based on the priorities and needs of the community or communities involved. These projects are exploring how to improve collaboration among the health systems that deliver services and programs to First Nations and Inuit people.

Each project is based on an agreement among different levels of government: federal, provincial or territorial, and First Nations or Inuit community or organization. These partners share a vision of timely, respectful and efficient health care that responds to the needs of First Nations and Inuit communities. As part of their evaluations, projects will report on lessons learned and share their knowledge about integration. They will examine how well they were able to work together, what helped them and what, if anything, delayed their progress.

For more information about a specific project, select one of the following project names:

• Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Nursing Collaborative Policy Development
  
  This project reviews nursing policies and standards for nurses working in First Nations communities in Atlantic Canada, with a goal of joint training and knowledge sharing with the provinces.
  
  
• Integrated Primary Health Care for Elsipogtog First Nation
  
  This project, located in New Brunswick, seeks to integrate community-based services and to improve collaboration among health care providers located within the community and at regional hospitals and clinics.
  
  
• A Model for the Delivery of Primary and Public Health Care Services to the Communities of Sioux Lookout Zone
  
  This project, located in northwestern Ontario, is developing a plan for a holistic primary health care system that will integrate all services under a First Nations governance structure.
  
  
• Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Initiative
  
  This project, located in northeastern Ontario, completes the merging of two federal and provincial hospitals and will create a First Nations Regional Health Authority for the delivery of health services.
  
  
• Norway House Cree Nation Health Care Integration Planning Project
  
  This project, located in northern Manitoba, is developing a plan for integrating federal and provincial health programs for all residents, including those living in the town of Norway House and members of the Norway House Cree Nation.
  
  
• Many Jurisdictions, One System: A Diabetes Integration Partnership Project
  
  This project, located in northwestern Alberta, explores an integrated approach to diabetic care and seeks improved collaboration among the North Peace Tribal Council, the Northern Lights Health Authority, and Capital Health in Edmonton.
  
  
• Vancouver Island Chronic Illness Care Project
  
  This project explores an integrated approach to the management of chronic illness care in 48 First Nations communities.
  
  
• Integrating Health Promotion and Illness Prevention Programs in Nunavut
  
  This project reviews existing health promotion programs with a goal of harmonizing federal and territorial health care in the areas of maternal health, child health, dental health, and addictions treatment.
  

When the Health Integration Initiative projects are completed in the spring of 2006, the experiences and lessons from each of the eight integration projects will be reviewed by project partners and FNIHB. These are expected to play a part in creating health integration policies for the delivery of health services to First Nations and Inuit people, with the aim of improving the delivery of health services for First Nations people and Inuit.

For More Information

For more information on the Health Integration Initiative, contact the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.