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Noojmowin Teg Health Centre Reaches Important Milestone

Press Release

Ontario Improving Access to Health Services for Patients on Manitoulin Island

June 6, 2016

Patients on Manitoulin Island are one step closer to improved access to culturally appropriate health care services at the Noojmowin Teg Health Centre.

Ontario is investing up to $2.36 million for the 4,400 square foot project to replace existing temporary structures. The project will provide crucial program space for staff such as traditional healers and other health care service providers, as well as a traditional healing lodge, giving patients the opportunity to access both traditional and western healing methods.

The improved Health Centre is expected to be operational and serving patients in July 2016.

Through this project, patients on Manitoulin Island will benefit from:

  • Equipment to access the Ontario Telemedicine Network
  • New Information Technology equipment and infrastructure
  • A medicine storage room
  • A new examination room
  • Improved amenities such as a shower with a change room and a new meeting room.

Aboriginal Health Access Centres play a valuable role in providing culturally appropriate health services in Ontario. Infrastructure investments like this are aligned with the government’s commitment to improving Indigenous health in key areas such as home and community care, primary care and diabetes prevention and management.

Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan will help connect regions, develop new economic opportunities and improve quality of life for Ontarians by supporting critical infrastructure projects in cities, towns, and rural and remote communities all across the province.

Investing in local healthcare infrastructure is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quick Facts

  • Construction on Noojmowin Teg Health Centre began on August 4, 2015.
  • Noojmowin Teg is one of 10 Aboriginal Health Access Centers in the province. It provides professional services to all Manitoulin First Nations and the Off-Reserve Aboriginal population.
  • The programs and services delivered include pre and postnatal care, nutrition, health education, health promotion, disease prevention, counselling, and traditional healing and treatment.
  • On May 25, 2016, Ontario launched its First Nations Health Action Plan, which is investing nearly $222 million over the next three years to ensure Indigenous people have access to more culturally appropriate care and improved outcomes.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“Today marks a significant milestone in the construction of this important health centre for the Manitoulin community. Once completed, Noojmowin Teg will provide state-of-the-art traditional and modern healing methods in the community. The Ontario government is commited to ensuring all Ontarians have access to high quality, culturally appropriate health care services close to home.”

Dr. Eric Hoskins
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

“Aboriginal Health Access Centres play a vital role in helping Ontario’s Indigenous community get the care they need, close to home. This expansion will help Noojmowin Teg Health Centre provide services tailored to the unique needs of the communities they serve. As part of our journey of reconciliation we are committed to improving health outcomes for Indigenous peoples through collaboration.”

David Zimmer
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

“This infrastructure project will have an important impact on patient care on Manitoulin Island, and in the North, improving access to health services that are tailored to the needs of the region. The communities on Manitoulin Island are vibrant and unique and I am pleased that this investment will help them continue to thrive and lead healthy lives.”

Glenn Thibeault
MPP for Sudbury

“We are incredibly excited about achieving this significant milestone in our journey to the new Noojmowin Teg Aboriginal Health Access Centre and extend our thanks to the many individuals who contributed to the construction of this state-of-the-art building. With the physical structure complete and equipment arriving daily, we are now focusing our efforts in using the new spaces to expand our culturally relevant health care services to the Aboriginal populations we serve within the Manitoulin Island District. The existing and new health care services and initiatives were envisioned together with our local health partners over the past four years.”

Pamela Williamson

Executive Director Noojmowin Teg Health Centre

Media Contacts
Shae GreenfieldMinister’s Office
416-325-5230

David Jensen
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
416-314-6197

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