The County of Renfrew is looking for a collaborative approach to the newly announced Ontario Health Teams. On Thursday, over 25 primary health care service leaders and elected officials in Renfrew County met to discuss their applications. Right now there are four Ontario Health Team applicants in the region and the purpose of the meeting was to explore the possibility of working together on their approach. The Upper Ottawa Valley Ontario Health Team includes the Pembroke Regional Hospital, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan and partners. The Highway 60 Health Team includes the Renfrew Victoria Hospital, St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry’s Bay and partners. The Three Rivers Ontario Health Team includes Arnprior Regional Health and partners, and North Renfrew Health is made up of the Deep River Hospital and partners. Warden Jennifer Murphy says the meeting was an opportunity for them to lead the way and set an example of patient-first primary care. She is hopeful that a collaboration will be formed to support the community in the delivery of rural and locally focussed health care. Elected officials had the opportunity to review the applications. Ontario Health Teams will replace the Local Health Integration Network in an effort to have a seamless transition for patients accessing health care. To be considered an Ontario Health Team, you must deliver three types of health services such as primary care, home care, acute care, palliative care, or mental health and addiction services.