Transition to the Service Delivery Model on Schedule The transition to the Service Delivery Model (SDM) is well underway with the rollout now complete in our Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto, Hamilton, St. Catharines, Kitchener and Guelph offices. We are on target to conclude our transition to the new Model by April 2009 in the WSIB's remaining offices, including London, Windsor, Sudbury, Timmins, North Bay, Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. This phased rollout approach is helping to minimize any service disruption and to apply learning forward from each office launch experience. Service Delivery Models Reflect Unique Needs of Workers and Employers As part of the SDM, service delivery models have been developed to meet the needs of workers and employers with more specialized claims. Serious Injury Program and Pre-1990 Branch To improve the consistency and effectiveness of service delivery within our Serious Injuries Program (SIP), frontline staff has been focused into two specialized teams. The first team will provide support for recovery, independent living and quality of life to workers who have had recent injuries. The second team will assist workers who require assistance with their longer term support needs, including those who may have reached maximum medical recovery. Case Managers are responsible for managing cases day-to-day, with Nurse Consultants, making all health care treatment decisions and Occupational Therapists, making all decisions related to health care equipment. Although not focused into two separate teams, similar role modifications have been made within our Pre-1990 Branch, which oversees cases with workers who have sustained injuries prior to 1990. Occupational Disease Services Division Our Occupational Disease Services Division has begun an implementation of a service delivery model that reflects the unique needs of occupational disease cases. OD service delivery teams will enhance early and personal contact with workers, their families and employers and continue to strengthen case planning, and timely decision-making. Teams will continue to be sector-based, with the roles of Adjudicator, Advanced Practice Nurse, and Occupational Hygienist. Through the Occupational Disease service delivery model, the current consolidated Adjudicator job will streamlined into two roles that will provide greater focus on eligibility and case management. In addition, a new Primary Adjudicator role has been created and a Return to Work Specialist will be added shortly. The rollout of this OD service delivery model is on target to be implemented for April 2009. Our Commitment to the Road to Zero The SDM is fundamental to our Road to Zero goal of eliminating all workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities in Ontario. Early feedback on the new Model supports this direction in expanding prevention efforts, improving return to work and recovery outcomes and enhancing service and organizational excellence. Reporting on the SDM transition will continue.