Simcoe County And Muskoka Dementia Networks Strategic Planning Process

Simcoe County And Muskoka Dementia Networks Strategic Planning Process

A Request for Stakeholder Input

The Dementia Networks of Simcoe County and Muskoka are engaged in a joint strategic planning initiative to identify future directions and establish a framework for collaboration within the new North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (LHIN 12). The planning process is being carried out with extensive stakeholder involvement. This discussion paper has been prepared to inform you about the project and solicit your responses to the emerging directions for the two networks.

The Process to Date

In early 2007 the networks received a grant from the Alzheimer Strategy Transition Project to undertake this planning process.
A Strategic Planning Steering Committee drawn from both networks was formed and selected a consultant in April 2007 to facilitate the process.
The consultant then reviewed relevant information and conducted interviews with key stakeholders in order to complete a preliminary environmental scan.
On June 25, 2007 about 40 members of the two networks as well as other stakeholders participated in a full-day strategy development session at Trillium Manor in Orillia. They reviewed the environmental scan data, engaged in visioning activities and developed draft goals.

What Happens Next?

The next step of the consultation process begins with this discussion paper, which reflects the thinking of the participants in the planning process so far. This is "work in progress" that will evolve as we hear more from our various stakeholders. Please read it carefully and consider the questions posed.

Complete the following online form. Focus questions have been provided to guide discussion and feedback. Your responses must be submitted by Friday September 14, 2007.

The Steering Committee will review and revise the plan based on feedback received and an implementation planning session will take place in early October. The final plan will guide the network members as they continue to work collaboratively to serve the needs of persons with dementia and their caregivers.

Issued July 2007

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

The following "SWOT" analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) for the system of care for persons with dementia in Simcoe County and Muskoka was assembled from the environmental scan and input at the June planning session.

Strengths:	Commitment, dedication and passion of service providers Diverse range of skills and knowledge among network members Broad range of services along continuum of care Pockets of expertise and model programs and services A track record of successful projects Existing high levels of collaboration Involvement of CCAC cognitive impairment team Existing website
Weaknesses:	Resource issues and service gaps Programs tend to be small and fragmented Lack of regional geriatric program Geography and transportation challenges Heterogeneity of the two areas Time demands on network members Lack of funded infrastructure for the network Need for more training at all levels/sectors Low public awareness
Opportunities:	Increased linkages with the LHIN Partnering and linkages Addressing specific needs Increasing public awareness/involvement United and stronger advocacy Use of information technology Openness to change
Threats:	Competing funding priorities Increasing numbers and severity Lack of services to meet rising needs Addressing rising client expectations Risk management issues Political uncertainty Increasing age of available resources and workforce Demographic trends - aging population, retirees moving to area Stigma attached to dementia
Any strategic initiatives undertaken will need to build on strengths, rectify weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities and address threats.

Focus Question:

Should any other strengths, weaknesses, opportunities or threats be considered?

Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Opportunities:
Threats:

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Deliberations at the June 25 joint planning session revealed a strong consensus to merge the Simcoe County and Muskoka Dementia Networks into a single organization. The group spent some time identifying content for mission, vision and values statements for a new "North Simcoe Muskoka Dementia Network".

Mission Statement

A mission statement should be a clear statement of the purpose, mandate and "business of an organization. The following draft mission statement for the new network is being proposed:

The North Simcoe Muskoka Dementia Network fosters the improved quality of life of persons with dementia through collaboration, resource sharing, education and advocacy.

Focus Question:

Have any important elements of the new network's mission been overlooked in this statement?

Feel free to suggest revisions to the mission statement.

Vision Elements

A vision statement describes the "preferred future state" of an organization and its stakeholders. Planning session participants completed a visioning exercise to identify the following elements of a Dementia care system in Simcoe County and Muskoka.

An expanded range of well-integrated high quality services and supports across a seamless continuum of care
A high positive profile with wide recognition and leadership
An adequate and stable resource base

Focus Question:

Have any vision elements been overlooked

Feel free to suggest new wording for a new vision statement.

Values

Values are those beliefs that guide an organization as it discharges its mission in pursuit of its vision. The planning session participants identified the following draft values to guide the development and operation of the new network:

Innovation and creativity
Honesty and integrity
Collaboration and collegiality
Diversity

Caring and compassion
Individual dignity, choice and empowerment
Openness and transparency
Accountability

Focus Question:

Are there other important values that should be adopted?

EMERGING DIRECTIONS

The following high-level draft goals were developed at the planning retreat. They pertain to service development, collaboration and linkages, profile and awareness, human resources and network infrastructure.

Service Development

1.1  Conduct ongoing needs assessment to identify and address gaps in services.
1.2  Advocate for funding and additional resources for under serviced areas.
1.3  Institute a common assessment tool.
1.4  Promote and support the establishment of a regional geriatric program.
1.5  Ensure consistent and standardized dementia services across LHIN 12.
1.6  Incorporate best practices to ensure continuous improvement of services.
1.7  Encourage and participate in research.

Collaboration and Linkages

2.1  Increase network participation from all sectors of dementia care including
       primary care, acute care, emergency services, community care and long-term care.
2.2  Ensure that programs and activities connect to LHIN 12 initiatives.
2.3  Support programs to enhance linkages for dementia care such as First Link.
2.4  Expand and enhance relationships with academic centres.
2.5  Participate in the Alzheimer's Knowledge Exchange.
2.6  Collaborate with other health networks in the region and the province.

Profile and Awareness

3.1  Reduce stigma and raise public awareness of dementia.
3.2  Improve access to information about dementia services.
3.3  Locate a champion to promote the network across LHIN 12.
3.4  Expand the website to be accessible to all network stakeholders.
3.5  Foster client independence and self-advocacy.

Human Resources

4.1  Attract new providers and expertise to the region.
4.2  Increase the skills of regulated and unregulated care providers and front-line
       workers across all disciplines.
4.3  Promote geriatric dementia care as a career path.
4.4  Increase mentoring and peer leadership opportunities.
4.5  Increase support for informal caregivers.
4.6  Collaborate with educational institutions.

Network Infrastructure

5.1  Obtain designated and protected funding for dedicated network leadership,
       facilities and resources.
5.2  Maximize the use of technology for education, communication and service delivery.
5.3  Identify opportunities for resource pooling and economies of scale across service
       providers.
5.4  Implement outcome measures and accountability practices and procedures.

Focus Questions:

Are there any suggested revisions to the draft strategic goals?

Service Development:
Collaboration and Linkages:
Profile and Awareness:
Human Resources:
Network Infrastructure:
Have any important goals been missed?
What do you feel should be the most important priorities of the network in the next year?

COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS

Feel free to make any other comments or suggestions to assist with this strategic planning initiative:

Individual/Group completing form: (Optional)

Your input is greatly appreciated.