BackFebruary 5, 2026
Patients Across the Region to See Faster, Simpler Access to Care
Halton Healthcare to lead regional intake hubs for Mental Health & Addictions, and Orthopedic services
February 5, 2026 (Halton Region, ON) - Ontario Health has selected Halton Healthcare to lead two system-shaping initiatives that will strengthen access to care for people across the Central Region: the Mental Health and Addictions Central Intake Hub and the Orthopedics Central Intake Hub. By streamlining referrals and coordinating services, these hubs will reduce delays and create a clearer, more connected path to care for patients and families.
As the largest and fastest growing Ontario Health Region, the Central Region, which spans from Mississauga to Huntsville and from Orangeville to Markham, is home to more than 4.2 million people. With the demand for services rising, these hubs will ensure that patients and families spend less time navigating the system and more time getting the care they need.
“At Halton Healthcare, we have spent more than 13 years building strong expertise in coordinated access, and we’re proud to have a leading role in Ontario Health’s vision for expanding connected, convenient care across the Central Region,” said Melissa Farrell, President & CEO, Halton Healthcare. “This work reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to creating a more seamless and patient-centred system.
As Hub Lead, Halton Healthcare will help coordinate access across 49+ partner health service providers – including hospital systems and community-based organizations – each offering multiple specialized pathways and collectively representing 650+ services and programs. This means the Hub will create clearer system navigation, reduce hand-offs between providers, and deliver a more seamless, coordinated experience for people seeking support.
This leadership builds on Halton Healthcare’s proven success in coordinated access, including programs such as one-Link, which helps patients and families quickly find and connect with the mental health and addictions services they need, the Mississauga Halton Diabetes Central Intake Program, and several regional pathways recognized for innovation, quality, and scalability.
By bringing organizations together and aligning how people enter the system, Halton Healthcare and its partners are helping build a more connected, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system – one that makes it easier for residents across the Central Region to access timely, compassionate care close to home.