First Nations Health Authority Installs Third Party Manager for Inter Tribal Health Authority Clients

2/1/2019

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has installed a third party manager to oversee health service delivery to Inter Tribal Health Authority (ITHA) member communities during the transition to new arrangements that will improve client satisfaction and operational effectiveness.

This is being done because ITHA's refusal to provide ongoing cooperation has raised client safety concerns during this transition period. The third party manager went to their offices to find them locked and no staff appeared to be present. A notice on the door indicated that ITHA will not recognize the third party manager.

FNHA previously issued termination notices for its funding agreements with ITHA effective April 1, 2019. Notice was given after a three-year process that began partly in response to complaints from over one-third of communities served by ITHA. The complaints about recurrent service delivery failures have resulted in many communities requesting new service arrangements from FNHA.

Ganhada Management Group was appointed January 21, 2019 and as of today has taken immediate responsibility for administering payments and ensuring continuity of service delivery through February and March of this year. It will also work with FNHA and individual communities to support local health and wellness goals going forward.

"Our experienced staff will continue meeting with the leadership of communities involved to share information about the benefits and services they are entitled to," said Joe Gallagher, FNHA's CEO.

Many First Nations leaders are ready for the change and already participating in discussions.

"We are engaged now in direct relationship with FNHA," said Chief Darren Blaney, Homalco First Nation, "I'm confident that the meaningful consultations will result in better services for our communities, services needed to make significant improvements to health and wellness."

The complaints from clients and communities included:

• The failure of health service providers contracted by the ITHA to show up for appointments.

• Inadequate electronic medical records administration.

• Failure to deliver mental health services in the wake of multiple crisis incidents.

• High ITHA staff turnover leading to inconsistent levels of care.

• Inconsistent and insufficient nursing services

• Refusal to provide information about finances and administration as required in the funding agreements.

It is important to stress that this step has been taken in accordance with our teachings and culture in that we need to put the health and wellbeing of First Nations communities first.

“We certainly appreciate the past good work of ITHA. Sometimes we have to make hard decisions. As leaders our prime responsibility is stable care and services for our communities,” said John Powell, a Mamalilikulla Band Councillor. “As we move forward we need to be mindful of the needs and the direction of our members. Paramount in this situation is the need to create successful delivery of services. Our focus remains the same, good care and service.”

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Media: 604-831-4898 | Media@fnha.ca