4. public health branch accreditation – march 2006

santÉ publique, agrÉment – mars 2006

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AS AMENDED

That Council:

1. receive this report regarding Public Health Branch accreditation by the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation (OCCHA) for information, and

2. approve and adopt, as the Ottawa Board of Health, two Ottawa Public Health policies regarding:

a. Research Ethics Policy (Document 1)

b. Public Health Communications Policy (Document 2)

pursuant to the revised standards of the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation (OCCHA) for the Accreditation Review planned for March 2006.

3. direct the Public Health Department to prepare a concept plan document during 2006 for the possibilities of measuring air quality and outline some proposals for reacting to declining air quality based on the origin of declining air quality conditions.

RECOMMENDATIONS MODIFIÉES DU COMITÉ

Que le Conseil :

1. reçoit, à titre informatif, le présent rapport sur l’agrément accordé à Santé publique par l’Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation (OCCHA), et

2. approuve et d’adopter, à titre de Conseil de la santé d’Ottawa, trois politiques de Santé publique Ottawa portant sur les points suivants :

a. Politique sur l’éthique en recherche (Document 1)

b. Politique sur les communications en santé publique (Document 2)

selon les normes révisées de l’OCCHA en vue de l’examen d’agrément prévu en mars 2006.

3. dirige la Direction de la santé publique pour établir au cours de l’année 2006 un plan conceptuel sur les façons possibles de mesurer la quanlité de l’air et qu’elle élabore des propositions sur les moyens de réagir à la diminution de la qualité de l’air, en fonction des causes de ce phénomène.

DOCUMENTATION

1. Deputy City Manager, Community and Protective Services report dated 12 January 2006 (ACS2006-CPS-HEA-0001).

2. Extract of Draft Minutes, 19 January 2006.

Report to/Rapport au:

Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee

Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux

and Council/et au Conseil

12 January 2006/le 12 janvier 2006

Submitted by/Soumis par :

Steve Kanellakos, Deputy City Manager, Community and Protective Services \directeur municipal adjoint, Services communautaires et de protection

Contact Person/Personne-ressource :

Dr. David Salisbury, Medical Officer of Health / Médecin chef

Ottawa Public Health/Santé publique Ottawa

(613) 580-2424 x23681, david.salisbury@ottawa.ca

CITY-WIDE

Ref ACS2006-CPS-HEA-0001

SUBJECT:	Public health BRANCH ACCREDITATION – March 2006
OBJET :	SANTÉ PUBLIQUE, AGRÉMENT – MARS 2006

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Health, Recreation, and Social Services Committee recommend that Council:

1. receive this report regarding Public Health Branch accreditation by the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation (OCCHA) for information, and

2. approve and adopt, as the Ottawa Board of Health, two Ottawa Public Health policies regarding:

a. Research Ethics Policy (Document 1)

b. Public Health Communications Policy (Document 2)

pursuant to the revised standards of the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation (OCCHA) for the Accreditation Review planned for March 2006.

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux recommande au Conseil :

1. de recevoir, à titre informatif, le présent rapport sur l’agrément accordé à Santé publique par l’Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation (OCCHA), et

2. d’approuver et d’adopter, à titre de Conseil de la santé d’Ottawa, trois politiques de Santé publique Ottawa portant sur les points suivants :

a. Politique sur l’éthique en recherche (Document 1)

b. Politique sur les communications en santé publique (Document 2)

selon les normes révisées de l’OCCHA en vue de l’examen d’agrément prévu en mars 2006.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Ottawa Public Health Branch provides programs and services in health protection, health promotion, disease and injury prevention, control and surveillance of communicable diseases, family health services, education and research, and responds to public health hazards and emergencies for the population of Ottawa.

Services by the Branch are funded by the Provincial Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) and are subject to a provincial review annually. Accreditation is a separate, voluntary process for health organizations that is an effective, external evaluation process used by many public health agencies in Ontario to examine, assess and improve the quality of health services. The Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation (OCCHA) has accredited the Branch since 1988.

The accredition process provides an independent, voluntary, peer evaluation of the administrative and operational aspects of local and regional public health agencies including program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. This is a process to promote and assist in continuous self-improvement and to promote excellence in public health programs and services throughout Ontario.

The length of the accreditation may be two, three, four, or five years and is based upon careful review of the findings of the accreditation survey. The results of the 2003 OCCHA final report awarded Ottawa Public Health a 3-year accreditation award. At that time the highest award possible was four years.

To meet the revised 2004 OCCHA accreditation standards, Ottawa Public Health has undertaken a comprehensive review of branch policies, guidelines and procedures. Ottawa Public Health has revised two existing policies (no substantive changes from earlier) that now for accreditation reasons require approval by its local board of health (Ottawa City Council). Therefore two policies are attached for City Council’s approval.

Currently, the Branch is preparing for an on-site external based Peer Review by an OCCHA team scheduled to begin in late March 2006. The Ottawa Public Health Accreditation Committee is on schedule and continues its activities to ensure a successful accreditation outcome is achieved in 2006.

RESUMÉ

La Direction de la santé publique d’Ottawa offre des programmes et des services de protection de la santé, de prévention des maladies et des traumatismes, de lutte contre les maladies transmissibles et de surveillance de ces dernières, de santé familiale, d’éducation et de recherche. Elle intervient en cas de danger ou d’urgence auprès de la population d’Ottawa.

Les services fournis par la Direction sont financés par le ministère de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée de l’Ontario (MSSLD) et font l’objet d’un examen annuel réalisé par le provincial. L’agrément est pour les organismes de santé une procédure séparée volontaire d’évaluation externe qui s’avère efficace. De nombreux organismes de santé publique de l’Ontario y font appel pour examiner, évaluer et améliorer la qualité des services de santé. La Direction a reçu son agrément de l’OCCHA en 1988.

Le processus d’attribution d’agrément constitue une évaluation par les pairs indépendante et volontaire des aspects administratifs et opérationnels des organismes de santé publique locaux et régionaux, notamment en matière de planification, de mise en oeuvre, de surveillance et d’évaluation des programmes. Ce processus permet de promouvoir et de favoriser le progrès autonome continu et de promouvoir l’excellence dans les programmes et les services de santé publique partout en Ontario.

L’agrément, dont la durée peut être de deux, trois, quatre ou cinq ans, est attribué après examen minutieux des résultats de l’enquête d’agrément. Les résultats du rapport final de 2003 de l’OCCHA ont valu à Santé publique Ottawa un agrément de trois ans. À ce moment-là, la durée maximale possible de l’agrément était de quatre ans.

Afin de satisfaire aux normes d’agrément révisées de 2004 de l’OCCHA, Santé publique Ottawa a effectué un examen complet des politiques, lignes directrices et procédures de la Direction. Santé publique Ottawa a révisé deux politiques existantes (aucun change du contenu) qui nécessitent l’approbation de son conseil de santé local (le Conseil municipal d’Ottawa) afin de satisfaire aux normes d’agrément. À ce titre, ces dernières sont jointes au présent rapport aux fins d’approbation par le Conseil municipal.

Actuellement, la Direction se prépare en vue d’un examen par les pairs externe, qui sera effectué sur place par une équipe de l’OCCHA et qui devrait commencer à la fin de mars 2006. Le Comité d’agrément de Santé publique Ottawa poursuit ses travaux et continue ses activités afin que les résultats d’agrément soient positifs en 2006.

BACKGROUND

Ottawa Public Health Branch provides programs and services in health protection, health promotion, disease and injury prevention, control and surveillance of communicable diseases, family health services, education and research, and responds to public health hazards and emergencies for the population of Ottawa. The goals of the branch are to:

• prevent epidemics and the spread of infectious diseases;
• protect citizens from environmental health hazards; and
• reduce the number of injuries, disabilities and preventable deaths.

Funding for public health comes from both the City and the Provincial Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC).

City Council, as the local Board of Health, is responsible to ensure the delivery of all public health activities in the City of Ottawa. In Ontario, Public Health activities are provincially mandated through the Health Protection and Promotion Act as well as the Mandatory Health Program and Services Guidelines. Provincial legislation for Boards of Health cover 34 different acts as well as others that may be enacted from time to time.

OCCHA Accreditation Definition and Mandate:

The process whereby the organizational and administrative aspects of a board of health/public health agency, including program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, are measured against peer-set principles and standards.

• A principle is a simple and fundamental statement of truth upon which are established more specific standards.
• A standard is a statement of excellence, developed by peers, against which conformity of the agency is evaluated.

OCCHA’s Mandate is to:

• establish, review and revise accreditation standards related to governance, administration and program planning, implementation monitoring and evaluation.
• enhance knowledge through consultation and shared experience.
• measure agency performance against peer-set standards, provide comprehensive reports and confer accreditation awards.
• promote and facilitate continuous quality improvement in public health units through consultation across Ontario health units.
• work in partnership with other community health organizations and relevant provincial ministries, to promote excellence in public health programs and services.

The OCCHA Accreditation Process

Surveys are scheduled within 90 days of acceptance of the application (unless this deadline is extended by mutual agreement). Experienced public health professionals specially trained as surveyors conduct surveys. Survey teams are comprised of a Senior Surveyor, 2-3 trained surveyors, 1-2 apprentice surveyors and the Executive Director. Accreditation surveys require 3 full days. The purpose of the survey is to evaluate the Ottawa Public Health’s degree of compliance with the OCCHA principles and standards by gathering information from:

• the Agency Questionnaire (completed by Ottawa Public Health and submitted with the application form);
• review of evidence/documentation on-site, and
• the interview of staff members and representatives of local community agencies.

Surveyor worksheets are completed by the members of the survey team upon completion of an accreditation survey. These worksheets contain the findings, commendations, suggestions, recommendations and requirements of the surveyors relative to the review of documents and the interview of staff members and community agency representatives. The report is submitted to OCCHA within two weeks of the completion of the survey.

The OCCHA Accreditation Award

The OCCHA Board of Directors, in consultation with the Principles and Standards Committee, determines the accreditation award. The length of the accreditation award will be two, three, four, or five years based upon careful review of the findings of the accreditation survey. A comprehensive report is provided to the agency outlining the findings and resulting requirements, recommendations, suggestions and commendations.

DISCUSSION

Health Services Accreditation

OCCHA has accredited Ottawa Public Health since 1988. It provides an independent, voluntary, peer evaluation of the administrative and operational aspects of local and regional public health agencies including program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. This is a process to promote and assist in continuous self-improvement and to promote excellence in public health programs and services throughout Ontario. Ottawa has been recognized for achieving a high level of compliance with the accreditation standards. Ottawa Public Health has been commended on consistently delivering a high degree of quality service.

Benefits of Accreditation

The benefits of an OCCHA Accreditation process are:

• requirement for the MOHLTC funding for Ottawa’s Public Health Research and Education Division (PHRED) unit;
• demonstrates accountability to provincial and local funding agencies and to the public;
• demonstrates Ottawa Public Health’s commitment to excellence;
• strengthens consumer confidence;
• facilitates Continuous Quality Improvement and improves staff morale;
• recognizes the achievements/innovations of Ottawa Public Health;
• facilitates information sharing within Ottawa Public Health and with other public health agencies; and
• assists Ottawa Public Health in addressing changes in public health.

Next Steps

In preparation for an accreditation survey, Ottawa Public Health initiates a Branch Accreditation Committee with key representatives from every division. The Committee conducts a review of the accreditation standards, any revisions or additions to the requirements and develops a plan to achieve a successful outcome.

Accreditation Committee Objectives for 2006

• To ensure a successful process by demonstrating that Ottawa Public Health Branch meets the OCCHA standards.
• To undergo a peer evaluation by the OCCHA Survey Team in March/April 2006 to validate areas of strength and receive suggestions for areas of improvement.
• To bring forward any branch policies required by the Accreditation standards to City Council as the Ottawa Board of Health or to branch management for their approval.
• To prepare the Ottawa Board of Health members who play a key role in this process to set the direction and be an advocate for public health issues. During the survey, interviews are scheduled with members of the Board of Health as well as with key community partners as a normal part of the process. Some clarification on corporate policies and procedures is usually required from other departments such as with Human Resources, RPAM, and Finance. Interviews with Centres of Expertise (COE) staff may be requested by the accreditation Survey Team to clarify internal issues such as budget process, HR issues, Branch /Corporate communications.

For the 2006 Accreditation survey, OCCHA has revised its standards around policies required by public health agencies. As a result of these changes, two revised policies require Board approval. Other revised policies are reviewed systematically and have been reviewed and approved by OPHMT and do not require board review or approval. These policies have been developed with public health division staff and with input of COE colleagues in Corporate Services Department. There are no substantive changes to the the two pre-existing policies but for accredition purposes require approval by the local Board of Health (Ottawa City Council). These administrative policies will form part of the documentation required by the OCCHA.

CONCLUSION

The accreditation award symbolizes official recognition of excellence to the public, local community agencies, professional associations and local, regional and provincial governments in public health. Adoption of the attached Public Health Communications Policy and Public Health Research Ethics Policy is requested by the Ottawa Board of Health (City Council) and will contribute to a successful outcome of the upcoming OCCHA Accreditation Survey process in March/April 2006.

CONSULTATION

There was no formal public consultation required for this report. However, Corporate Services staff (COE colleagues) has been consulted on the development of the attached administrative policies.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with this information report. The OCCHA annual accreditation maintenance fee and 2006 survey fee of $7,500 have been allocated in the Branch’s 2006 Operating Budget.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Document 1 – Process for Research Ethics Policy

Document 2 - Communication Policy

DISPOSITION

Ottawa Public Health to implement the attached policies as approved by Council and to implement the Accreditation Committee’s plan for 2006.

Document 1

Title: Originating Department: Originating Branch:	Process for Research Ethics Policy Reference No: 1.5.0 Community and Protective Services Ottawa Public Health Branch
Authority:	Ottawa Public Health Management and City Council
Effective Date:	November ,2002	Last Revision Date: Last Reviewed:	October 12, 2005

Policy Statement

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is committed to providing services and programs that incorporate the principles and conduct of sound applied public health research and ethical practice by encouraging and supporting relevant research activities. All research must be formally reviewed and approved by the Ottawa Public Health Research Ethics Board (REB).

Purpose

OPH recognizes the important gains that research can bring to the practice of Public Health and the population at large. The purpose of the ethical review of proposed research projects involving clients or staff of OPH is to ensure that a systematic process is employed for the protection of clients and staff involved in public health programming. In the event of a perceived conflict between the protection of staff or clients and facilitating research, protection will take precedence.

Application

This policy applies to all OPH staff.

Policy Description

All research projects conducted by OPH staff, or in collaboration with Community Health Centres, Hospitals, other agencies, or that provide external researchers access to staff, programs or clients must have at least one OPH staff involved to be formally reviewed and approved by the Ottawa Public Health Research Ethics Board prior to implementation.

The Medical Officer of Health (MOH) retains the right to refuse a research project for institutional reasons even if it was approved by the Research Ethics Board (REB). However, the MOH cannot overturn an REB refusal of a study.

What Constitutes a Research Project

Research is to be distinguished from the data collection that occurs in the context of everyday practice of public health activities. Many types of data are routinely collected as part of usual public health practice. Work undertaken as part of public health practice such as mandatory program planning and program evaluation does not necessarily constitute research and need not be subjected to a research approval process.

Definitions

Applied Public Health Research:

Applied research attempts to identify priority problems and to design and evaluate policies and programs that will deliver the greatest public health benefits, making optimal use of available resources.

Beneficence:

The principle of beneficence is typically expressed in terms of two complementary rules:

1. Do no harm
2. Maximize potential benefits while minimizing the risks to subjects. The principle is applied in the demand that a study present an acceptable balance of potential benefits and risks.

Justice: The principle of justice entails that the benefits and burdens of research participation be distributed equitably. Accordingly the REB must ensure that procedures for the selection of subjects are equitable.

Respect for person: The principle of respect for persons requires that the wishes of autonomous persons be taken seriously, and those who are not autonomous are protected. This principle finds expression in requirements for informed consent and confidentiality.

Innovation: Producing something new and creative.

Research: “A class of activities designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Generalizable knowledge consists of theories, principles or relationships (or the accumulation of data on which they may be based) that can be corroborated by accepted scientific observation and inference” (Levine, 1988, p. 3).

Risk: The concept of risk is pivotal to weighing of potential benefits and risks required by the principal of beneficence. Risk addresses the probability and magnitude of harm to research participants. Benefit refers to the degree of positive outcome. Research participation may expose the participant to a wide spectrum of risk. Risks can be classified into four categories: Physical, psychological, social and economic. Ethical analysis ensures there is an acceptable ratio of potential benefit to risk.

Minimal risk means the risk encountered though participation in the research are not greater than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or in the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests. If unsure whether they belong within the set of common risks, then they don’t.

Responsibilities

Ottawa Public Health:

· fosters a positive climate of inquiry and innovation within the organization;

· encourages all staff to be innovative within programs;

· ensures that the necessary supports are available to implement research initiatives;

· protects the most vulnerable members of the population through the support of research that is guided by the Tri-Council Policy Statement, Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans;

· adheres to ethical conduct which is guided by three ethical principles: respect for the person, beneficence and justice.

Researcher(s) Responsibilities:

All research proposals must:

• be submitted to the Secretariat of the Ottawa Public Health Research Ethics Board in accordance with the Ethics Review Process;
• commit to ethically appropriate behaviour throughout the research process;
• consider whether the participation of those who may lack capacity to make an informed choice is essential to the study;
• include additional safeguards to subjects who are vulnerable to coercion or undue influence, or whose first language is not English or French;

• adequately address the risk for participants and the avoidance of harm;
• address potential conflicts of interest.

Research Ethics Board Responsibilities:

• decisions regarding research proposals will be reached using the principles of impartiality, fairness and open communication;
• board members will declare conflicts of interest if a project they are involved with comes for review and they will withdraw from the discussion;
• written communication of the REB’s decisions will be given to the researcher(s) as soon as possible.

References

Ottawa Public Health. (2004). Ethics Review Process. Research Ethics Board

Tri-Council (Medical Research Council of Canada, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada) (2003). Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans. Tri-Council, Ottawa, Ontario.

Weed, D.L. (1998). Health Law and Ethics Preventing Scientific Misconduct. American Journal of Public Health. 88(1) p 12 – 15.

Weijer, C. (2000). The analysis of risks and potential benefits in research. National Council on Ethics in Human Research Annual Meeting.

Policy Regarding Research (Reference number 1.03.06)-Public Health and Long Term Care Branch Policy Manual.

Legislated & Administrative Authorities

Medical Officer of Health, City of Ottawa. Ottawa Public Health

Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004

Tri-Council (Medical Research Council of Canada, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada) (2003). Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans. Tri-Council, Ottawa, Ontario.

Key Word Search

Public Health Research, Innovation, Ethics, Research Ethics Board, Population Health Institute, University of Ottawa, Public Health Agency of Canada

Contact

For more information on this guideline, please contact:

Secretariat, Ottawa Public Health Research Ethics Board,

Education and Research Unit,

Surveillance, Emerging Issues, Education and Research Division,

Ottawa Public Health.

Document 2

Title: Originating Department: Originating Branch:	Communication Policy Reference No: 1.8.0 Community and Protective Services Ottawa Public Health Branch
Authority:	Ottawa Public Health Management and City Council
Effective Date:	January, 2003	Last Revision Date: Last Reviewed:	December 01, 2005

Policy Statement

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is committed to providing current, reliable, accurate and transparent information to Ottawa residents, community service providers as well as health and educational professionals on health promotion, health protection and emerging public health issues.

Purpose

The main objectives of this policy are to:

• Provide regular and systematic communication with the public regarding OPH activities to foster transparency and disseminate health information.
• Establish a framework that will assist staff in the development of promotional and educational material targeted to Ottawa residents, community service providers as well as health and educational professionals.

· Provide clear direction to staff dealing with the media.

Application

This policy applies to all OPH staff.

Policy Description

Regular and systematic information with the public will include the production and dissemination of a branch annual report in either print or electronic format. An overview of programs and services for Ottawa residents will be outlined as well as the yearly operating budget to enhance transparency.

OPH staff communicates information to the public about health issues through various channels, which include promotional material, print advertising, radio and TV commercials. OPH will ensure that all promotional and educational material is available in both official languages as per the Corporate Bilingualism Policy. All material must be produced and disseminated simultaneously in both official languages.

All translation requests in the two official languages for Ottawa Public Health will be centralized through Translation Services within the French Languages Services Branch as outlined in the corporate policy. OPH will actively consult and inform residents on health issues and policies. OPH recognizes the diversity of the population and the importance of offering health information and promotion material in several languages and respectful of various cultures. Information and material posted on the City’s Web site must be as accessible as per the Multiple Formats Policy.

Customer Service and Public Information (CSPI) has established recommendations to develop and produce corporate communication material. Two primary criteria form the basis for the framework: reach and risk level.

High reach/high risk communications:

OPH staff will work closely with the CSPI Branch for the development and production of all high/medium reach and high/medium risk communication material and awareness campaigns. CSPI will develop the material as per the Corporate Visual Identity Standards and the Bilingualism Policy.

When hiring consultants to work on specific campaigns or projects aimed at external clients, OPH staff must ensure that all promotional material is always reviewed by CSPI and, if deemed necessary by Corporate Communications. All television, radio and print advertising must be either prepared or reviewed by CSPI and Corporate Communications and all bookings done through CSPI.

Corporate Communications must always be involved for all high-risk material, or any issues that could be potentially controversial or political. All OPH communications and promotional material to be developed per quarter should be included on the CSPI Workplan to ensure that resources are available to meet the demand as part of the corporate semi-annual planning process.

Low reach/low risk communications:

All low reach and low risk material developed and produced internally must meet the Corporate Visual Identity Standards. Templates- are available on Moe to help with the development and production of material.

Media and Public Relations:

The Medical Officer of Health or Divisional Managers must approve any dealing with the media and must identify official spokespersons. Corporate Communications must be informed of any media requests. Media Relations Officers can also provide support and guidance to prepare for media interviews.

Definitions

High-reach communications: Widely distributed to a general city-wide, multi-sector or multi-community audience

Medium-reach communications: Limited distribution to a community-wide or sector-wide audience

Low-reach communications: Small distribution to a specific neighbourhood, ward, facility or issue-targeted audience

High-risk communications: Activities that are central to the City’s vision, and to the protection and promotion of the City’s image and reputation; city-wide implications; may be politically sensitive and controversial

Medium-risk communications: Activities that support the City’s vision, but are more limited in scope and implications for the City’s vision, image and reputation

Low-risk communications: Activities that inform citizens about City activities, but have very few implications for the City’s vision, image and reputation

Responsibilities

Ottawa Public Health Management Team (OPHMT):

Senior public health managers will ensure that annual reports are produced and disseminated. Management will oversee the allocation of resources to ensure systematic communication to the public and professionals.

Program Managers/Supervisors:

Program Managers and Supervisors will ensure adherence to this framework when developing and producing communication material for the public such as promotional material, print advertising, radio and TV commercials.

Staff:

Staff involved with the development of communication material and strategies will consult supervisors/managers to assess the level of reach and risk.

Contraventions

Consequences for contraventions of policies will follow normal performance and disciplinary procedures outlined by the City and consistent with union requirements.

References

Bilingualism Policy; May 9, 2001 – ASC2001-CMS-OCM-0002

Corporate Visual Identity Standards

Multiple Formats Policy

Resource Development and Media Campaigns (Reference number 6.1)- Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Division Guideline and Procedure Manual.

Legislated & Administrative Authorities

Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines published by the Province.

Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation Principles and Standards

Key Word Search

Communication, Media, Translation

Contact

For more information on this policy, contact:

The Health Communications Specialist,

Communications and Resource Management Team,

Emerging Issues and Public Awareness Unit,

Surveillance, Emerging Issues, Education and Research Division,

Ottawa Public Health

PUBLIC HEALTH BRANCH ACCREDITATION – MARCH 2006

SANTÉ PUBLIQUE, AGRÉMENT – MARS 2006

ACS2006-CPS-HEA-0001 CITY-WIDE WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE

Dr. David Salisbury, Medical Officer of Health, provided Committee with a PowerPoint presentation on the Public Health Branch Accreditation. In addition, the report is asking for the approval of the following:

· Research Ethics Policy (as per Document 1 of the staff report);

· Public Health Communications Policy (as per Document 2 of the staff report).

Councillor C. Doucet spoke to City Council’s decision to continue with one air quality monitor for the entire city. He asked if the Medical Officer of Health could prepare a framework document on how the City could better monitor air quality. The Councillor said he recognized that this may not fall within current budget allocations but he wanted to see how the City might go about monitoring air quality with the appropriate resources.

Councillor G. Bédard inquired about whether the City has an emergency response for a pandemic and whether it is coordinated with provincial and federal measures. He asked for clarification on what needs to be done to ensure that the City is prepared. Dr. Salisbury confirmed that the beginnings of a plan are in place and that the City has started to look into the actual actions that would have to be taken. He advised that the City has had a successful discussion with community partners regarding what is expected in the event of a pandemic. Dr. Salisbury also noted the importance of information dissemination to both the health community and the broader community as a major logistical challenge. There is a partnership with the Emergency Measures Unit to inform individuals on how they can be prepared for a pandemic.

Councillor Bédard inquired as to how many individuals were treated during the Kashechewan Evacuees response and whether the City was receiving financial compensation from the federal government. Dr. Salisbury confirmed that all evacuees were evaluated and brought up to immunization standards as required. The First Nations Inuit Health Branch will cover the costs to the City.

Councillor Bédard also inquired as to the additional staff approved by Council. Dr. Salisbury advised that the motion did not allow him to hire the new staff until the last half of the year and would be dependent on the results of the omnibus cuts in compensation.

Councillor A. Cullen spoke to the Public Health Capacity Review being undertaken by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. He advised that the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) was reviewing the following options for a new public health model that may be introduced this year:

· Uploading of public health to the Province with a stand-alone Board of Health composed of health professionals, people with expertise in the field, and possibly community representatives (these may be Members of Council);

· Continuing a public health department model that offers services at the local level.

Councillor Cullen noted that Ottawa City Council had not taken a position on these options and he asked whether senior management is tracking the progress of the Review. Mr. Kanellakos confirmed that the City Manager is receiving updates and has relayed information back to Community and Protective Services. Councillor Cullen requested a briefing on the progress of the Public Health Capacity Review, undertaken by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and all background information (including the OMA paper on the status of Medical Officers of Health) for the next meeting.

Chair D. Holmes asked that the item be placed at the start of the February 16, 2006 agenda.

The Committee then considered the following Motion:

Moved by C. Doucet

That the Public Health Department prepare a concept plan document during 2006 for the possibilities of measuring air quality and outline some proposals for reacting to declining air quality based on the origins of declining air quality conditions.

CARRIED

Moved by A. Cullen

That the Health, Recreation, and Social Services Committee recommend that Council:

1. receive this report regarding Public Health Branch accreditation by the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation (OCCHA) for information, and

2. approve and adopt, as the Ottawa Board of Health, two Ottawa Public Health policies regarding:

a. Research Ethics Policy (Document 1)

b. Public Health Communications Policy (Document 2)

pursuant to the revised standards of the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation (OCCHA) for the Accreditation Review planned for March 2006.

CARRIED