A Vision for Local
Planning and Decision-Making
The future that citizens, stakeholders and providers have long asked for — local decision-making for health improvement — is now.
The Local Health System Integration Act, 2006, has changed the way that our health system is managed. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care created 14 Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) to plan, integrate, and fund health care based on local needs. LHINs do not provide services; our role is to ensure the right services in the right place at the right time. Our goal is a health system that keeps people healthy, gets them good care when they are sick, and will be there for our children and grandchildren.
The Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant (HNHB) LHIN includes Burlington and most of Norfolk, and works with its communities to improve health services.
What difference do LHINs make?
Health care planning and decision-making closer to home where local needs and solutions are more easily identified
Ongoing engagement and conversations among residents, communities and health providers to learn about what people’s preferences, experiences and ideas are for the health care system
Improved accountability for public expenditures and health outcomes
- Improved access, quality and sustainability
You can watch a quick video of Pat Mandy, our founding CEO talking about how the LHIN model is different than the previous model and how it helps the patient. You can also watch Alan Iskiw talking about what the LHIN model was created to do and how the LHIN plans and implements change
What are LHINs responsible for?
The HNHB LHIN is responsible for 202 health service providers that together provide more than 230 health programs and services for a total of over two and a half billion dollars.
The provider groups include: (please visit our page on Our Health Service Providers for more information)
80 Community Support Services
49 Community Mental Health and Addictions Programs
8 Community Health Centres (including 10 sites)
1 Community Care Access Centre
86 Long-Term Care Homes
10 Hospitals (including 23 hospital sites)
We know too, that good health is more than good health care. For this reason, the LHIN works with other stakeholders including primary care providers, housing providers, health and social services and other funders to help link care and supports for healthy people and healthy communities.
The HNHB LHIN has a staff of 34 and is located in Grimsby, in the heart of our LHIN geography.
What does the LHIN mean to me? 
The LHIN is listening.
We know that citizens, stakeholders and providers in our communities have good ideas for health improvement. LHINs are specifically mandated to engage all parties about needs, priorities and solutions.
Your voice is important. Why? The LHIN’s decision making is based on a good understanding of
Citizens are knowledgeable about their needs, experience and satisfaction with health care and their voice is important. (Please visit our pages on Engaging You - Our Community for more information)
Get involved!
There are many ways to be involved. Write the LHIN a letter. Look at our web site for upcoming events. Join us at a Board meeting and meet your LHIN Board members. Tell us what interests you and how you want to be involved.
Participate in local community forums sponsored by local providers. Share ideas for improvement with your family doctor. With your pharmacist. With your adult day program, or other services for a family member.
Join the Board of your local health service provider.
The LHIN is listening. Tell us what you think.