Bridging the Gap – How CHP Homecare and Walk-In Clinic Supports Community Healthcare
A Conversation with the Founder of CHP Homecare and Walk-In Clinic
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about privatization in healthcare. At The Seeker, we’ve stood firmly against it, advocating for a strong, accessible public healthcare system. However, as the system stands now, undeniable gaps exist—gaps that leave many without the care they need when they need it. And in the absence of timely public solutions, private services are stepping in to fill the void. It’s hard not to wonder: are these gaps in care the result of intentional neglect, designed to pave the way for privatization? Who knows. But one thing is certain—these services are meeting an essential need for many in our community. I recently found myself in such a situation, where no other option was available. In that moment, I turned to CHP Homecare and Walk-In Clinic. Their team provided the care I desperately needed, and for that, I was grateful. Here’s my interview with CHP’s founder.
What inspired you to open a home care service and walk-in clinic in our community?
I have been working as a nurse in our community for over 30 years. I decided to take an early retirement to open a private home care company, where my knowledge and experience could provide the level of home care our community requires.
How do you see your services complementing the public healthcare system rather than competing with it?
We compliment the public healthcare system by assisting with the gaps in services, we work with discharge planning at our local hospitals to help meet the clients needs enabling them to be discharged home. Our home care provides PSW, RN, RPN services 24/7 in both languages, French/ English . What sets us apart from other private home care provides is our communications . We meet the family or the client the day the request is made and set up a care plan that suits their needs. We follow up regularly and the family or client have access to a manager 24 hours a day. Our pricing is extremely competitive and we have no wait list as we have no lack of staffing.
What range of services does your walk-in clinic offer, and how do you ensure accessibility for those who need urgent care? What are your plans for ensuring that seniors with limited mobility or resources can access your services?
Our clinic offers hands on assessments by myself, an RN Prescriber who can diagnose and prescribe within my scope. If the diagnosis is outside of my scope I collaborate with Nurse Practitioner Cara Sabourin. We assess for UTI, strep, ear infections, wound care, dermatitis , contraceptives, STD’s , pneumonia, travel vaccines, pap testing… We accept same day bookings and very short wait time. If required we will see a client in the community.
Do you collaborate with public health services or organizations to fill gaps in care? If so, how?
We work with organizations within our community , Ontario health at home , St Joseph rehab, CCH, and individual doctors to assist with setting up care to allow for discharge home. We refer to programs such as paramedicine, Alzheimer’s society, life line. We work to assist the client in linking up with any publicly funded programs such as the Family managed care plan. Which can be found on the “Ontario Health at home” web site.
Are you considering expanding your services to include partnerships with local hospitals or healthcare providers?
We would hope to collaborate directly with Ontario Health at home as a provider in the future. Unfortunately, as an RN Prescriber or NP we are unable to bill directly to the ministry of health which unfortunately results in the need for private pay.
How do you ensure your services align with the ethical standards of Canadian healthcare while meeting the community’s needs?
We follow all the guidelines and have policies and procedures in place. I am registered with CNO, RNAO and obtain frequent updates from the ministry of health and EOHU. We are currently working on becoming accredited.
What are your thoughts on the balance between providing private healthcare solutions and preserving the principles of Canada’s universal healthcare system?
As we see the growing concerns for health care and a greater need for practitioners our goal is to help ease the overflow by offering private services. We are constantly growing and will continue to collaborate with other organizations to assist in the gaps of care. We have received great feedback from our community and affiliated organizations. Our greatest achievement is providing the care needed to assist clients and families. We assist with providing the care required to enable a client to remain in their home, convalesce from a health issue, provide respite to family, 24 hour palliative care, and wellness checks. Our staff go above and beyond to meet the needs of our families and clients. We have shared tears of joy and grief with families which only solidifies our purpose in the community
