The OHA is a public voice in Ontario’s health care system and advocates, on behalf of its members, for a high-performing health system. Guided by our member-approved strategic directions and the work of our Leadership Councils, we work in partnership with government and other health system partners to:
• Help shape and influence public policy, as well as improve government and public understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Ontario’s rapidly transforming health care system.
• Provide thought leadership and support members’ needs through evidence-based research, performance improvement opportunities, guidance toward leading practices, legislative analysis, and more.
• Seek out partnerships to advance policy, financial frameworks, legislation and regulatory requirements within the health system.
• Improve access to information about health services for the people of Ontario, as well as the efficiency, quality and overall performance of the health care system.
As an example of thought leadership, the OHA in 2010 worked closely with its partners at the Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centres and the Ontario Federation of Mental Health and Addiction Programs on a report entitled, Ideas and Opportunities for Bending the Health Care Cost Curve: Advice for the Government of Ontario. The report encourages key decision-makers to look at innovative ways of containing costs within Ontario’s health care sector.
The OHA also provides its members with high impact public affairs support. The OHA’s members often rely on its advocacy, issues management, media relations and corporate communications counsel when responding to local and province-wide challenges. The OHA’s thought leadership includes practical support such as structuring templates for hospital sector Accountability Agreements and helping members navigate new legislations and emerging requirements in areas such as public reporting, procurement practices, and compensation freezes.