Press Release
For immediate release
The Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario Supports the Recommendations on Digital Health in French in Ontario Prepared by the Réseau des services de santé en français de l’Est de l’Ontario
Sudbury, March 17, 2021
The Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario (Réseau du Nord) supports the recommendations outlined in the Brief on Digital Health in French in Ontario prepared by the Réseau des services de santé en français de l’Est de l’Ontario (RSSFE) The brief was submitted to the Ministry of Health on March 16, 2021.
Two key documents that set the stage for and intend to help guide the Province of Ontario’s digital health strategy and those of emerging Ontario Health teams have not taken into consideration the needs of the Francophone community. It is the understanding of the RSSFE that these documents are being updated and we would like to help include the Francophone perspective and requirements in these newer iterations.
To assist the Ministry of Health with digital health planning, the RSSFE recommends that:
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The Minister of Health should engage the French Language Health Services Advisory Council on this matter.
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The Ministry of Health should engage the province’s six French Language Health Planning Entities to obtain high level guidance on the impact of including language considerations in the Digital First for Health Strategy.
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The Ministry of Health should apply the Health Equity Impact Assessment, including the French Language Service Supplement (and other supplements, as applicable) to future iterations of the Digital First for Health Strategy and the Ontario Health Team: Digital Health Playbook.
Quote: “Digital health services have always been extremely important for Francophones in Northern Ontario. Francophones living in the North must often travel long distances for medical appointments. Digital health services is a longstanding solution to increase access to health services in French, an issue that is more apparent during the pandemic This is why we support the recommendations of our colleagues from the RSSFE.” – Diane Quintas, Executive Director, Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario
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The Réseau, in collaboration with its partners, plans, networks and engages with communities to improve access and equity to French language health services.
Source and information:
Monique Rocheleau, Associate Executive Director
mrocheleau@rmefno.ca
or 705 477-0160