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Patient Attachment
Background
Ensuring residents have access to a primary care provider is one of the most important priorities for AOHT. Primary care is often the first point of contact in the healthcare system and plays a critical role in preventative care, chronic disease management, and connecting patients to the services they need.
In May 2025, more than 19,000 residents across Algoma were without a primary care provider. This represents a significant challenge for our communities and highlights the importance of coordinated, innovative solutions to improve access to care.
AOHT works collaboratively with healthcare organizations, providers, and community partners to support initiatives that help connect unattached patients with primary care providers. Our efforts focus on strengthening local systems that make it easier for patients to find and maintain relationships with family physicians and nurse practitioners (NPs).
Key Objectives
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Patient attachment strategies that connect residents without a provider to an available physician or NP.
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System navigation supports to help patients understand how to access care while waiting to be attached.
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Collaborative planning across the region to address workforce challenges and improve equitable access to care.
A key driver of the work is the AOHT Primary Care Network (PCN). The PCN brings together family physicians and NPs from across Algoma to collaborate on shared priorities and system improvements. Through this approach, the PCN helps to ensure that strategies are informed by the voices of primary care providers who are delivering care in our communities every day.
Accomplishments
Thousands of patients attached to a new primary care provider across Algoma.
Piloting of a Supported Attachment team to help patients prepare for attachment.
Development of an RN Concierge role to help patients navigate their best route for care.
Supporting providers with the tools they need to ensure they can provide the best quality of care.