Local LHIN hosts telemedicine awareness fair The Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) recently held its inaugural interactive provincial telemedicine knowledge and awareness fair. Hosted in partnership with the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), High Tech, High Touch saw more than 250 health professionals at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital learn and try out a range of currently available telemedicine technology, such as a remote patient monitoring program for those with heart conditions. "Virtual care -- telemedicine -- is an essential enabler in the creation of the sustainable, equitable, patient-focused health-care system we all want," Dr. Ed Brown, OTN CEO, said in a media release. "An important part of making that happen is connecting health providers with other innovators who have used telemedicine effectively and giving them hands on experience with it. This not only builds confidence in the effectiveness of technology-assisted health care, it helps providers envision how to integrate it into their practice." Mississauga Halton LHIN CEO Bill MacLeod said the local LHIN is "championing" the telemedicine technology because it positively impacts the experiences of both the patient and health-care provider. "It improves access and equity to healthcare services, provides resources that enhance health-system capacity, and increases knowledge transfer and collaboration," he added. Telemedicine enables providers to remotely diagnose, monitor and treat patients and helps those patients manage their illnesses through self-care and access to education and Health 41 | Thursday, April 14, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com "Connected to your Community" The Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network, in partnership with the Ontario Telemedicine Network, recently hosted High Tech, High Touch, a fair that raised awareness about telemedicine, which helps health-care providers to remotely diagnose, monitor and treat their patients and helps those patients manage their illnesses through self-care and access to education and support systems. Telehomecare was one of the telemedicine technologies demonstrated at the fair. In the images above, patients participate in a remote patient monitoring program to help self-manage their congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from home. Patients are provided with a blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, weight scale and tablet, which they use to monitor their vital signs and answer health questions daily. The data is monitored at a distance by a clinician who intervenes when there are signs of a worsening condition and also shares data regularly with a health-care provider. A nurse also provides health coaching by phone. | photos courtesy Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network support systems. The OTN helps provide the platform, tools, programs and services for it. Oakville MPP and Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn opened the inaugural fair, held on March 31. "The Ontario government is committed to ensuring that Ontarians across the province have better and faster access to quality health services," he said in the release. "Telemedicine is a terrific way to provide see Patients on p.42 DIAMOND Fabio De Rango Pharmacist/Owner Voted Oakville's Favourite Pharmacist & Pharmacy · Patient Counselling · Complete Diabetic Care · Home Visits · Consultations · Free RX Delivery DE RANGO PHARMACY INC 478 Dundas Street West | 905-257-9737 Canada Post an active healthy lifestyle starts here DE RANGO PHARMACY INC 2501 Third Line | 905-465-3000 Open 24 hours | 7 Days a Week www.shoppersdrugmart.ca Natural Approaches to Helping Digestive Disorders Free Informational Health Session · Physiotherapy · Massage Therapy · Athletic Therapy · Shockwave Therapy · Osteopathy, Acupuncture and Laser Therapy Especially important for people suffering from Crohn's, Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Acid Reflux, etc. Featured Speaker: Dr. Sebastian Guarnaccia As a result of his commitment and dedication for the past 18 years, Dr. Guarnaccia has enhanced the quality of 100's of individuals' lives and alleviated their chronic conditions naturally. Location Glen Abbey Community Centre 1415 Third Line (Third Line and Upper Middle) Date Tuesday, April 26th, 2016. Time 7:00 PM 360 Dundas St. East Unit B2 at Trafalgar Rd., Oakville 905.257.1904 www.beinmotion.ca Seating is limited. Reserved seating is recommended. Please call 905-825-9529 · Everyone is welcome!