FAQs The Outaouais Health and Social Services Network (OHSSN)

1. Why a network?

The Outaouais region includes approximately 50,000 English-speaking citizens dispersed over a large territory that consists of both urban and rural areas. A network provides the means and opportunity to improve communication, reduce the isolation of small communities, provide health and social services information to citizens, and increase our partnerships with stakeholders. The Québec health care system is currently undergoing a major change that will bring about the reorganization in the delivery of services with the creation of the new Health and Social Services Centres. With this change, the opportunity is within the grasp of the English-speaking population to become active participants in the policy and planning development in our public health system. In the Outaouais, the OHSSN’s goal is to work together with all stakeholders towards improving the access to quality health and social services throughout the region.

2. What are the objectives of the OHSSN?

The initial objective was to obtain an accurate picture of the English-speaking population in the Outaouais through a Needs Assessment that identifies their health care needs and priorities, defines appropriate actions, and communicates its needs to stakeholders within the context of the revised health system. The current objective is to bring community and public service partners together to establish links with all concerned stakeholders in the health, community, and education sectors and involve them in the pursuit of our goal.

3. How will it serve individuals and communities?

A network will assist individuals by providing information on health and social services and serve as venue for the exchange and sharing of information. It will also assist communities develop their knowledge base and capacity to implement and access services that meet the needs of their residents. The needs assessment of the Outaouais’ English-speaking population will provide an opportunity for direct input from concerned individuals and community representatives regarding issues of access, availability, and quality of regional health and social services. The OHSSN will also be able to co-sponsor community-based workshops and conference events in collaboration with other stakeholders.

4. How will the network serve institutions, organizations, and associations?

OHSSN’s goal is to establish a coordination “table” (Table de concertation) that will provide the opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the results of the English-speaking population’s needs assessment and establish a regional strategic plan that will respond to their needs. The table de concertation will continue to serve as a forum where partners from the public, private and community sectors come together to exchange information, identify gaps in services, and develop action plans.

5. Who is sponsoring the OHSSN?

This Health and Social Services Networking and Partnership Initiative has been funded by Health Canada. The Regional Association of West Quebecers is one of eleven provincial regions to receive funding for this initiative. The Québec Community Groups Networks, a non-profit organization that brings together 23 English language communities, is responsible for the administration of the project. The Community Health and Social Services Network provide support to the regions for network development.

6. Who should get involved, and how?

Any individual with queries or concerns regarding access, availability, and quality of regional health and social services. Service providers from public or private institutions and community organizations who wish to obtain information about the English-speaking population, their needs and their resources. All interested persons may request to participate on the network’s Steering Committee or at the upcoming regional focus groups. Watch these web pages and your local community papers for notices regarding schedules and activities.

Contact the Project Coordinator, Danielle Lanyi, at (819) 923-8429 or by e-mail info@ohssn.org