Our Organization

What is a LHIN?

Massive changes are taking place within Ontario 's health care delivery system. To ensure that our publicly-funded health system is able to continue to work for us and our families for generations to come, the Government of Ontario has established Local Health Integration Networks designed to plan, manage and fund the health care system at the local level.
The Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) is one of 14 crown agencies established by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). These agencies, most commonly referred to as “LHINs”, are charged with the responsibility of improving community access to quality healthcare through improved integration and coordination of fragmented health services. The LHINs assumed responsibility for health system management within their designated boundaries on April 1, 2007.

The WWLHIN territory covers approximately 4,800 square kilometers stretching from Proton Station in the north to Ayr in the south, Clifford at its most westerly point and Erin to the east. It also encompasses the major urban centers of Waterloo , Kitchener , Cambridge and Guelph.

One of the cornerstones of system improvement is the recognition that services must reflect the needs of the communities they serve. Inherent in the concept of people-centred care is the understanding that the community must play a role in transforming the system - contributing to the decisions that affect their health and the prioritization and development of the services they receive.

The WWLHIN will ensure that health service providers, patients, caregivers and the general public are aware of the issues, challenges and opportunities that exist for service provision within our boundaries and will provide mechanisms for the community to contribute their experiences, knowledge and opinions to local health system design and policy.

To view a copy of the Local Health System Integration Act 2006, please click here.

Mission, Vision, Values

Mission

Inspiring people to improve quality of life now and in the future through collaborative relationships and health system integration.

Vision

A health care system that will help keep people healthy, will get them good care when they are sick, and will be there for their children and grandchildren.

Values

• Accountability - Demonstrated by follow through, evidence-based outcomes and transparency
• Integrity - Demonstrated by sound decision making processes and honesty
• Innovation - Demonstrated by creativity, future focus and change
• Community - Demonstrated by respect, engagement and focus on people

Accountability

With an annual budget of  $858 million, the WWLHIN is responsible for planning, coordinating, integrating and funding health care services in our community including hospitals, long-term care homes, community support services, the Waterloo Wellington Community Care Access Centre, community health centres and mental health and addictions services.

For more information related to accountability agreements, the LHIN and its funded health service providers, please visit the Accountability page of this website.

Guiding Principles

WWLHIN will be focused on citizens, develop strategic partnerships, facilitate community engagement, use evidence-based decision making, operate with a high level of transparency, foster change through incentives, work with provider boards and create partnerships of equals.

Governance

The WWLHIN is governed by a board of nine (9) directors selected by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and appointed through an Order in Council. Our Board of Directors is bound by agreements with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and is responsible for overseeing the activities of the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network. It is a skills-based Board composed of individuals with a broad range of experience and expertise.

For more information on governance, our current Board of Directors or how to become a board member for the WWLHIN please visit the Board of Directors section of this website.

Budget & Funding

As a crown agency, the WWLHIN operates on the provincial fiscal year – April 1 – March 31. Financial information related to the WWLHIN can be found in our annual reports located on the News & Information page of this website.

Message from Sandra Hanmer, Chief Executive Officer

Coming of Age - Seniors Care  – June 2010 During the month of June, we recognize and celebrate the contributions made by seniors every day in communities across the province.  Ontario’s population aged 65 and over is projected to more than double from 1.8 million, or 13.7 per cent of the population in 2009 to 4.1 million, or 23.2 per cent, in 2036. The growth in seniors’ share of the population will accelerate after 2011 as baby boomers begin to turn age 65. Please read more from Sandra on the "Check In with our CEO" page.

WWLHIN Accessible Customer Service Policy

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the AODA) is a provincial act with the purpose of developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards in order to achieve accessibility for persons with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises. Please read more.

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