West Region
Ontario Health West serves over 4 million people who live in diverse urban and rural communities, from Waterloo to Windsor and Tobermory to Niagara Falls.
We fund and monitor health system performance at a local level. By working locally, we can meet the unique needs of our region, improving patient access to the right services, at the right time, in the right place. It also allows for careful future-state planning, making sure our communities get the care they need now, and in the future.
Improving the Health Care Experience
We are modernizing the health care system through integration, coordination, connection and clinical excellence. Working with local community and health care partners we’re making a system that is more responsive to the needs of patients and providers.
Our goal is to make the health care experience better for everyone.
A Profile of the West
18% of residents are immigrants
Connecting care for over 25% of Ontario
13% of residents identify as a visible minority
Current population statistics and other data about the West region is available in the most recent Ontario Health Business Plan.
Funding
Improving the system takes planning and funding. We provide opportunities for health service providers to submit proposals and expressions of interest for planning, funding and additional resources to help improve the patient and provider experience.
Current opportunities include:
- Funding for palliative care in Indigenous communities: Ontario is supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people to strengthen palliative care for their communities. By making funds available, the Ontario government is working towards the provision of timely, equitable access to high-quality palliative care. Review the funding backgrounder and frequently asked questions. Please email funding-OPCN@ontariohealth.ca to receive an application and to be connected to your regional contact. This funding opportunity is open until 5:00 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Get Involved
Our patient and family advisory council (part of the Patient and Family Advisors Network) is made up of patients and caregivers in the West region.
Council members have valuable first-hand experience and insights into the local health care needs, what’s currently working and how to improve the system to continue to meet future needs of our community. Diversity and geographical representation matters.
Learn more and apply to be a council member.
Ontario Health Teams
Ontario Health Teams organize and deliver care that is better connected for patients in their local communities, including West region.
Ontario Health Teams located in the West are groups of health care providers and organizations that working as one coordinated team to deliver care to a defined group of people (for example, people living in one area of a city or one part of a region).
Looking for Health Services in West Region?
Many programs and services are available locally. Find health care services available in the community or get help connecting with alternative options, including virtual care.
Contact Us
We value your input. Your feedback helps us continuously improve the quality of Ontario’s health care system. If you have questions regarding the West region, please send us an email.
To maintain your privacy, please do not send us your personal health information.
Also See
Hospital Capital Planning and Policy Manual
This manual from the Ministry of Health helps hospitals navigate the capital submission and review process.