The new Care for People With Sickle Cell Disease in Ontario: Provincial Model of Care is
part of the
Sickle Cell Disease quality standard implementation strategy and was released on
June 19 in celebration of National Sickle Cell Awareness Day. This model
represents a transformative step forward in implementing Ontario Health’s
Sickle Cell Disease quality standard, a key deliverable under the province’s
A Black Health Plan for Ontario and grounded in equity-focused design,
patient-centred care, clear communication pathways, and prioritization of
psychosocial needs.
The model aims to establish a coordinated, equitable, and
high-quality system of care across the province. Developed via extensive
engagement with lived experience advisors, clinicians, community organizations,
and other key system partners, the model responds to persistent gaps in sickle
cell disease care, as well as systemic and geographic inequities.
To ensure that patients receive care that is both aligned
with their clinical complexity and closer to home, the model introduces a
regionalized shared-care framework that connects regional complex care centres,
specialized care centres, enhanced primary care sites, and primary care sites.
With implementation of the provincial model of care:
- Clear expectations will be set for staffing and resources to
help ensure consistent quality across all care settings.
- Performance will be monitored using indicators related to
primary care access, wait times, emergency department visits, patient
experience, and balancing measures.
Looking ahead, many opportunities exist to improve
care for people with sickle cell disease in Ontario. Please review and
share the provincial model of care document with your networks.
For more
information, please contact
QualityStandards@OntarioHealth.ca
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