The role of the SDWG during Phase I was to engage in meaningful discussion towards developing recommendations on Hub, collaboration, co-location and integration options for the HIV sector in Toronto and identified drivers for the work included:
- Improving client services as a foundational outcome through improved access, more coordinated, integrated and innovative services.
- Reduce operating costs, particularly for smaller agencies, sharing soaring rental costs and other operational and administrative expenses.
- Changing policy trends, ministerial frameworks, priorities and structuring with a focus on more integrated health services.
- Sustaining dedicated community-specific, culturally sensitive supports for vulnerable clients.
Phase I work resulted in the Toronto HIV Sector Service Delivery: Exploring Collaboration, Co-location & Integration Concept Paper, February 2020 produced by the Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) and the HIV Sector Collaboration, Co-location and Integration Exploration Report and Recommendations, October 1, 2020 produced by Strategisense Consulting. The production of the latter report represented the completion of Phase I.
Phase II is currently underway with the establishment of three sub-groups:
- Co-location/ Co-ownership
- Service Integration/ Service Coordination
- Shared Back Office [e.g., Human Resources, IT, Finances, Fundraising]
The Phase II role of the THN HIV Sector Service Delivery & Co-location Models Working Group (SDWG) is to support these Sub-groups in their activities of determining and executing relevant new service delivery models for the HIV sector in Toronto.