![August-21-2013---Chronic-Disease Dr. Asiru Abu-Bakare is Medical Director at the Thunder Bay Regional Bariatric Care Centre where patients may now be referred to a new Medical Management Program as an alternative treatment for obesity.](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/August-21-2013-Chronic-Disease.jpg)
![Dr. Asiru Abu-Bakare is Medical Director at the Thunder Bay Regional Bariatric Care Centre where patients may now be referred to a new Medical Management Program as an alternative treatment for obesity.](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/August-21-2013-Chronic-Disease.jpg)
Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre Moves Forward
THUNDER BAY – Healthbeat – This past year saw a number of exciting developments at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre to help people living with a chronic disease. Thanks to funding from the Ontario government and a partnership with the Ontario Bariatric Network, a new Medical and Weight Management model at the Thunder Bay Regional Bariatric Care Centre means that patients now have an evidence-based alternative to surgery. Available as of January 2013, the model, delivered by an interprofessional team, can also help prepare patients who would otherwise be ineligible for surgery.
With interdisciplinary team members, community and provincial partners, including Ontario Renal Network, Ontario Stroke Network, and Northern Diabetes Health Network, we have also been able to research and apply evidence-based practices to patients experiencing diabetes, COPD/Asthma and Renal Disease.
“We are pleased to be able to offer more evidence-based services and programs close to home to help the people of Northwestern Ontario live healthier lives and manage chronic disease,” said Dr. Mark Henderson, Executive Vice-President of Chronic Disease Prevention and Management.
Patient Outcomes
• integrated technology led to improved access for patients to telehomecare
• patients with diabetes, COPD/Asthma and Renal Disease have access to evidence-based practices
• Bariatric Care Centre’s new medical and weight management program means patients have an alternative to surgery
• medical and weight management program can also help prepare patients who would otherwise be ineligible for surgery