Dr. Lew Pliamm, a family physician and co-founder of the Champagne Centre in North York, envisioned a comprehensive healthcare hub where patients could receive primary care and access various outpatient services all in one location. The center is now set to expand its integrated services by introducing a new 20,000-square-foot inpatient transitional care facility.
In collaboration with CAMH and LOFT Community Services, the upcoming wing will cater to alternative level of care (ALC) patients who no longer require acute hospital treatment but still need medical and social assistance before discharge. This initiative aims to prevent premature hospital discharges that could lead patients to return to emergency rooms, incurring significant costs to both the healthcare system and the individuals.
The new facility will offer 40 private bedrooms and a shared kitchen, catering to CAMH patients aged 55 and above who require additional support before transitioning back home or finding long-term care options post-hospitalization. Patients will have access to a range of services available at the Champagne Centre, including family doctors, optometry, audiology, dentistry, and sleep therapy.
Funded by a $9.7-million investment from the Ontario Ministry of Health, this project addresses the pressing need highlighted in a 2024 Ontario Health report, which identified over 5,000 ALC-designated patients in the province, with a significant portion awaiting long-term care placements.
Dr. Pliamm emphasized that transitioning patients out of hospitals not only makes ongoing care more cost-effective but also frees up hospital beds for others in need. This approach enables the provision of quality healthcare in the community at a reduced cost, alleviating bed shortages and facilitating faster community integration for patients.
CAMH clinical director Jordanne Holland highlighted the challenges faced by older patients, particularly post-pandemic, who struggle to find safe and supportive discharge options, often leading to readmissions shortly after release. The collaboration between CAMH and LOFT Community Services through the Path Home program has been instrumental in supporting patients over 55 to transition to long-term homes since 2021.
The integration of the new facility with existing outpatient clinics at the Champagne Centre is expected to streamline patient care, eliminating the need for multiple transfers and fostering trust in healthcare providers. Construction is currently underway, with the new wing projected to open within the next year, marking a significant milestone in enhancing transitional care services for patients in need.