Bayshore’s Neighbourhood Health Teams changes the approach to community care
By: Sahar Khan, Communications Coordinator
After 12 years working at Bayshore as a visiting nurse, Lisa Read recently began a new chapter as a Nurse Team Lead for Bayshore’s Neighborhood Health Team (NHT) in the Ancaster and Dundas communities in Ontario.
The concept behind NHTs is a nurse-led team embedded within the neighbourhood providing comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. Originally launched in Quebec in 2023, the NHT program has grown rapidly and Bayshore has since opened a dozen locations in the Greater Montreal area and in Ontario.
As a Neighborhood Nurse Team Lead, Lisa’s primary mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of seniors aged 65 and above, enabling them to remain in the comfort of their homes while receiving highly personalized care. Through her role, Lisa isn’t just helping improve the quality of life for clients, she’s also pioneering a new era of community care, one family at a time.
“We’re not just treating illnesses, we’re building healthier, more resilient communities,” Lisa emphasizes. “It’s about being right around the corner and ready to pop in if needed. We’re also available by phone anytime.”
Zoe Vernham, Director of Healthcare Innovation, and the creator behind the NHT’s, explains how nurses are able to spend more time with their clients and families, while connecting their own communities with all the services required to age in place.
“This care model exemplifies the key pillars of population health with a focus on personalized care and continuous quality improvement,” says Zoe. “Our nurses work in the communities they live in, promoting better access to care and using data-driven decision making to focus on prevention and wellness.”
Lisa also explains how the NHT program helps form more genuine connections with clients and their families, understanding their unique needs, and providing holistic support.
“What I enjoy most is talking to clients, building relationships and spending time with them to understand what they truly need – that’s where the magic happens,” says Lisa.
Seeing clients thrive and receiving their gratitude is the most heartwarming experience of the role, she adds. “Knowing that I’ve made a difference and fulfilled their needs makes it all worthwhile.”
For more information about Bayshore’s Neighbourhood Health Teams, please contact Zoe Vernham: zvernham@bayshore.ca or visit https://www.bayshore.ca/services/home-care/neighbourhood-health-teams/.