There are 4 palliative care initiatives or programs sponsored by the

Ontario Ministry of Health Long Term Care Office each of which contributes to the provision of expert pain and symptom management through education,

training, consultation and local resources.

 #1 PHYSICIAN EDUCATION: an advanced 4 day course is offered by University of Western Ontario and held at the Oakwood Inn in Grand Bend for physicians and a limited number of other professionals who have had introductory level training. It is held several times yearly at no cost excepting a $25.00 non refundable application fee.

#2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE PROVIDER EDUCATION: Eligible participants must be working with the terminally ill in any setting. This thirty hour introductory course is for all levels of paid providers. The program is

locally governed by an advisory committee and professionally managed by

the Pain & Symptom Management Coordinator. All costs are covered by the

MOHLTC.  Two such courses are offered yearly. Additional funds ae available to local groups that wish to sponsor an educational event or course.

#3 VOLUNTEER TRAINING: the Victorian Order of Nurses manages this program in Lambton. An introductory education course is arranged through its

Palliative Volunteer Program and funded by the MOHLTC.

#4 PALLIATIVE CARE COORDINATION: This service is governed by a local

advisory committee and professionally managed by the Pain and Symptom

Management Coordinator. It offers county wide education, consultation and

coordination of specified resources.

Local Educational Activities:

ADVANCED COURSES or workshops are offered each year for all graduates of

the introductory or Level I course.

REFRESHER conference day education which is open to all providers with

first seats given to Level I and Level II (advanced) course participants. One per year is offered.

LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES MENTORSHIP EDUCATION PROGRAM which is held on site at a facility at their request. the instructor acts as an "on site mentor "for 15 hours following the classroom components.

To contact Ann Brignell. Pain & Symptom Management Coordinator for further  information on the above call (519) 542-1686 from 0830-1600 Monday to Friday or fax (519) 542-7481 or email brignell@rivernet.net

For weekend or after hours assistance call the Lambton Hospital Group Palliative Care Unit at (519) 464-4400 ext 8542.