What's New

CHN SUNSETS AFTER 12 YEARS

In anticipation of a new model for networks of maternal, child and youth health in Ontario, the CHN Board of Directors announced the wind down of the CHN's operations effective September 30, 2010. The decision was influenced by the changing landscape in the health care sector. Staff and committee chairs formulated plans to ensure that key initiatives under way were primed for transtion to a new network model. The official "hand off" plan - CHN 2010/11 Work Priorities - was tabled at the last meeting of the Coordinating Committee on September 23, 2010.

A final report capturing the legacies and lessons learned from the CHN was published and released to the CHN members and partners. The report - Legacies & Lessons Learned: Reflections on the Child Health Network for the Greater Toronto Area (1998-2010) -- was intended to offer guidance in the future to both the members of the CHN and others involved in the planning and delivery of maternal/child services and perhaps to the participants in othe kinds of health networks.

SYSTEM BUILDING

CHN RENEWS VISION, MISSION, VALUES & STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

In the spring of 2006, the CHN Board of Directors initiated a formal strategic planning process. The objective of the process was to develop a renewed strategic direction and plan for the organization. Extensive consultations were undertaken with CHN members and a number of external stakeholders as part of the process. In summary, the findings of the stakeholder consultation process reinforced the need for the CHN to critically review its mandate and role within an evolving healthcare environment and determine appropriate strategic directions to guide its future work. The review resulted in a renewed vision, mission and values statement for the Network as well as confirmation of five strategic goals. To obtain a copy of the highlights emerging from the strategic planning process - click here.

CHN GOVERNANCE RENEWAL & ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK

To obtain a copy of the highlights emerging from the strategic planning process - click here.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

CHN PLANNING PANDEMIC WORKSHOPS TO PROVIDE MEMBERS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO TEST PANDEMIC PLANS

The CHN is coordinating participation of its members in a series of Planning Days to review the progress that has been made with respect to pandemic planning for the maternal, newborn, and paediatric populations. The Planning Days will involve CHN members in a facilitated table-top exercise to test their organizational plans in simulated scenarios that will require a system-level response. The first workshop is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, 2008, with a second workshop being planned for the Fall 2008. Participants at the workshops will be organized by LHIN and will provide an opportunity to ‘test’ current plans through participation in table-top exercises. The Planning Workshops build on the previous work undertaken by the CHN to facilitate linkages and discussions among CHN members. To obtain a copy of the discussion paper - click here.

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS WITH LHINs

The CHN is continuing to meet with the five (5) Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) within its membership catchment area to explore opportunities to work together to strengthen planning, coordination and integration of services for the maternal/newborn and paediatric population within and across LHINs. To obtain a copy of the discussion paper - click here.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

RELEASE OF 5TH ANNUAL STATISTICAL NIDAY PERINATAL DATABASE REPORT (2007/08)

The Niday Perinatal Database: Fifth Annual Statistical Report
(2007/2008) was officially released at the CHN’s Annual General Meeting on October 16, 2008. The report presents the data for the fifth year of the Niday Perinatal Database. The Niday Perinatal Database is being used as the foundation for development of the Ontario Perinatal Surveillance System (OPSS). To obtain a copy of the highlights arising from the report - click here.

IMPROVING PATIENT CARE: ENHANCING PRACTICE STANDARDS

The CHN is engaged in a series of projects focused on improving patient care. Many of these projects build on findings arising from the Niday and PIP databases. Key projects under way include:

  • Fetal Fibronectin Testing
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program
  • Acute Care of the at-Risk Newborn(ACoRN)
  • Birthing Project
  • Appropriateness of Care for Newborns (<32 week project)