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The team from KO Telehealth attending the Canadian Society of Telehealth (http://www.cst-sct.org/en/index.php) were presented with two awards for their work in developing and delivering telehealth services in First Nations across the Sioux Lookout zone. All the First Nations and organizations partnering with KOTH to deliver services using the boardband network and the telehealth services are recognized in these two national awards of excellence. The two awards include:

• Digital Group of Telehealth Companies Award of Excellence for 2006 was represented to the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Telehealth team (see letter below)
• Best Research in Concurrent Sessions award was presented to John Hogenbirk, from Laurentian University, for his work with on the KO Telehealth evaluation.

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October 15, 2006

The Digital Group of Telehealth Companies Award of Excellence for 2006 is awarded to:

 Keewaytinook Okimakanak Telehealth (KOTH)

On behalf of the CST Awards Committee, I am pleased to announce that the successful recipient of the Digital Group of Telehealth Companies Award of Excellence for 2006 is Keewaytinook Okimakanak Telehealth (KOTH).

Thanks to the generous support of the Digital Group of Telehealth Companies, the award is granted to the recipient that best meets the eight criteria. The award will be presented at the CST Conference Annual Gala Dinner on Oct. 16, 2006 in Edmonton.

KOTH is Canada’s largest and busiest First Nations Telemedicine Service. Encompassing over 25 sites, KOTH has designed, implemented and refined a First Nations service model that supports and sustains telehealth services in Ontario’s most remote and northern communities. Working in partnership with the Ontario Telemedicine Network, Kuh-ke-nah Network (K-net) and the community, KOTH has developed a fully integrated service model that is accessible to provincial and federal health service providers.

 A recent evaluation completed by the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research at Laurentian University and the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph validated the many benefits of KOTH. Most notably, the researchers recognized the development of an integrated community base model that is contributing to the health and wellbeing of First Nations by removing geographical barriers to health services.

KOTH’s ongoing development in the areas of expanded service delivery, innovative technology, research and best practices along with their commitment to quality patient care has made them a recognized leader in telehealth. On behalf of CST, we congratulate KOTH and wish them continued success. 

Sincerely,

Laurie Poole
President, CST