Partnering to Provide Better Care
Nimble, Client-Centred and Filled with Opportunity: Integrated Care and Partnerships under Desmond Kiu’s dynamic leadership
Partnering with hospitals and community organizations to provide better care is a long-standing priority at VHA, but 2021 saw these collaborations expand and strengthen in new and exciting ways.
Just ask Desmond Kiu, VHA’s Director, Integrated and Private Services, who plays a key role in VHA’s Strategic Solutions & Partnerships Team.
The Strategic Solutions and Partnerships Team develops and executes integrated care initiatives, including those with the 17 Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) VHA is a part of. These initiatives focus on care models made possible by different health and community care partner organizations working together towards a common goal of high quality, seamless care.
“Throughout my career at VHA, I’ve been able to see the spectrum of services we provide,” says Desmond. “I feel connected to the meaningful work we do and I appreciate the opportunity to continue to learn and grow with the organization.”
When reflecting on the team’s accomplishments over 2021, Desmond says many projects come to mind, but there are a few standouts.
During Wave 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic, SickKids Hospital opened a temporary COVID-19 adult intensive care unit (ICU) to increase hospital capacity. The unit was staffed in part by VHA Personal Support Workers (PSWs). “Working in an ICU is a different experience for PSWs who are used to providing care in the community. They embraced the challenge head on,” notes Desmond, who oversaw the integration of VHA PSWs into dedicated SickKids hospital units to provide additional support to patients and their families.
Another highlight for Desmond is North York Community Access to Resources Enabling Support (North York CARES), a program which helps individuals who would otherwise stay in the hospital for a prolonged period, to safely return home much earlier with additional supports. “This program allows patients to be at home with their families while they recover," adds Desmond. “And it also makes hospital beds available for those who need them most.”
When describing integrated care at VHA, three words come to mind for Desmond: Opportunity, for VHA staff to learn through new programs and gain valuable one-on-one experience with clinical leaders; Nimble, because the team can quickly think outside of the box and disseminate projects; and Client-Centred, which is a goal for everything we do at VHA.
Select highlights of VHA's integrated care initiatives:
UHN-IC Program
An integrated care program through the University Health Network in partnership with VHA Home HealthCare. UHN is providing direct home care services post hospital admission, surgery or contact with clients requiring post-acute care with VHA as their lead homecare agency.
925 clients served; 2,731 visits completed
Kew Beach Alternative Level of Care (ALC) Unit
In partnership with Michael Garron Hospital, VHA developed the Kew Beach Unit, one of the first alternate health facilities to create additional acute care capacity in response to COVID-19. The program began with 20 ALC beds, operating in a separate wing of a retirement home in east Toronto and expanded to the full premises in September 2021 with a maximum occupancy of 80 beds.
80 alternative level of care beds
Circle of Care - Holocaust Survivor Services Program
Holocaust survivors receive support from VHA Personal Support Workers. Many of these survivors are at heightened risk for social isolation and emotional distress, exacerbated by the pandemic.
69,103 personal support hours provided
THRU – VHA’s Tactical HealthCare Response Unit
THRU delivered COVID-19 vaccinations in collaboration with partners in response to urgent community needs.
50,000 vaccinations delivered