Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) is a not for profit organization funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The objective is to provide patients with the care they need when and where they need it; at home, in their community or in hospital. OTN offers a variety of programs designed to enhance access to care, chronic disease management and specialists anywhere in Ontario utilizing secure video conferencing. The use of telemedicine has been shown to reduce wait times for specialists, reduce travel time and associated costs and improve efficiency for health care providers. Access to OTN is primarily initiated by the health care provider.
Canadian Mental Health Association currently receives permanent funding from the LHIN for two Telemedicine Registered Nurses to serve the needs of the community. This funding allows for the development of various telemedicine programs aimed at better serving the residents of our community. Currently, CMHA has eight telemedicine sites throughout Barrie, Orillia, Midland and Innisfil. While CMHA focuses on mental health needs it is important to understand that the OTN program has a mandate to serve everyone in the community so residents can use this site to access a variety of health care professionals.