NFHT Board of Directors expanding and looking for 5 new members

Join our Northumberland Family Health Team Board of Directors to work with a dedicated group of volunteer leaders who are influencing primary care delivery and giving back to our community!

The Northumberland Family Health Team (NFHT) is a growing not-for-profit organization that provides inter-professional primary health care to the residents of Northumberland County.  The NFHT is experiencing rapid growth and will soon serve over 40,000 patients across our communities. Our team includes family physicians, nurse practitioners, a pharmacist, registered nurses, social workers, dietitians, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, and other professionals working together to provide patient-centered care.  We are funded by Ontario Health and are affiliated with five local Primary Care Clinics- Cobourg Medical Centre, Cobourg Clinic, Cobourg Health Centre, the Ganaraska FHO and the Cobourg FHO (32 family doctors in total).

We are recruiting five (5) new Board Members who are passionate about primary healthcare, serving people and families across their lifespan, and supporting our local health care providers. We are committed to creating a diverse board of directors with voices that represent a range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives within our community.  We are looking for board members with experience or knowledge in at least one of the following areas: equity/diversity/inclusion, governance, legal, finance, risk management, quality/performance measurement, stakeholder engagement, government relations or human resources. We would be particularly excited to meet with you if you have experience in capital planning related to facility development/relocation and/or strategic planning.

This is a two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal for up to 3 terms. The Board meets up to 7 times each year (quarterly regular meetings plus 3 special meetings for specific board items). Board business is conducted primarily virtually with some in-person business as needed. Board orientation will be provided for all candidates who are selected.

Applicants should respond with either a CV or a letter of interest setting out their experience in the focus areas noted above.  Please submit by October 30th, 2026 to the NFHT Board Chair at info@nfht.ca.  While we appreciate all interest in this opportunity, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

More about us:

OUR MISSION:

In an integrated and collaborative manner, the NFHT will efficiently provide high quality, accessible patient-centered care that offers a comprehensive range of core and targeted services aimed at managing and preventing disease and improving the health status of the population.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

• Provide timely access to primary health care, allowing residents the opportunity to receive the appropriate services now and into the future.
• Develop and deliver collaborative Chronic Disease Management and Health Promotion programs which are patient-centered, focusing on those with the highest need.
• Create a culture of inter-professional practice, collaboration and care that enables quality patient care and a healthy workplace.
• Work collaboratively within hospital, community health and social services partners to improve the range, quality, efficiency and collaboration of health care services in West Northumberland.
• Develop a strong model of governance that ensures effective controls and procedures are in place to mitigate ongoing risks.

More information about us can be found at www.nfht.ca.

Come Together Northumberland — Community Event to Connect Services, Providers and Residents

Northumberland County, ON (April 7, 2026) — The Ontario Health Team of Northumberland (OHT-N), in partnership with the Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC) Northumberland, is proud to present Come Together Northumberland, a collaborative community event taking place on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cobourg Community Centre.
This free to attend, one-day event will bring together service providers, organizations and community members from across Northumberland. The goal is to build awareness of local programs, services and referral pathways related to mental health, addictions, homelessness, human and social services, as well as the justice sector.
“Come Together Northumberland is really about connection and bringing people, services and organizations together in one place,” say Lisa Searle and Tasha Atkinson, Co-Chairs of HSJCC Northumberland. “A big part of our work is strengthening how the justice system, health care and social services work together to better support people with complex needs. This event creates space for those conversations, helps build understanding, and supports more coordinated, compassionate approaches across our community.”
Designed to strengthen connections across sectors, the event also creates space for meaningful dialogue and shared learning between providers and the public.
“I’m really excited to see something like Come Together Northumberland happening in our community,” says Chloe Craig, a Cobourg resident and OHT-N Experience Partner volunteer. “It gives people a chance to learn what supports are available for mental health, addictions, homelessness, social justice and human services. It’s not always easy to know where to go for help, so bringing everything together like this really matters.”
“At OHT-N, we’re focused on making it easier for people to access the care and services they need,” says Ram Puva, Executive Lead, OHT-N. “Events like this showcase the range of supports available across Northumberland and help strengthen the relationships that enable more collaborative care. By coming together across sectors, we can better support the whole person and improve their overall experience.”
Event Highlights:
11 a.m. to Noon – Panel discussion exploring the intersection of mental health, addictions, homelessness and the justice system (open to all)
Noon to 1 p.m. – Guest speaker: Chad Valyear, peer support worker and recovery advocate (open to all)
1 to 3 p.m. – Community open house (open to all)
Organizations are encouraged to share this opportunity with staff and networks, and community members are invited to attend and learn more about the supports and services available across Northumberland. If you have questions for the panel discussion, you can submit them here: Come Together Northumberland – Questions for the panel.

NFHT ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THEO BARKER

Northumberland Family Health Team is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of their search for a new Executive Director as they welcome Theo Barker, PT, CRE into the role.

“Theo has been an integral part of the organization since joining in March 2015, in both his role as a physiotherapist and as a Clinical Lead. He is dedicated to the success of the Northumberland Family Health Team and we think he will make an effective advocate and leader of the organization moving forward,” says Dr. Emma Smith, NFHT Board Chair.

Theo has been guiding NFHT through a transition process as the interim co-lead. He is NFHT’s former Physiotherapist and Certified Respiratory Educator and Team Lead. He has been working with NFHT for 11 years and is well recognized for his collaborative work in the Northumberland County healthcare community. Theo’s devotion to patient care was recognized with a Best Healthcare Service award from the Northumberland Spirit Awards. Prior to working with NFHT, Theo worked at the Michael Garron Hospital (formerly known as Toronto East General Hospital) and for the Northumberland Hills Hospital.

About NFHT

NFHT is a non-profit, primary health care organization providing over 26,000 patients with timely access to a comprehensive range of services and programs aimed at managing and preventing disease and improving health status. The inter-professional team includes family physicians and professional staff, including nurses and nurse practitioners, occupational and physical therapists, dietitians, social workers and a pharmacist, who work together to provide person-centred, effective, collaborative and integrated care. For more information about our organization, please visit www.nfht.ca.

Media Inquiries

Please contact NFHT at 289-252-2139 and ask for Theo Barker or email info@nfht.ca.

PHYSIOTHERAPIST Permanent, Full Time

An exciting opportunity is available for a Permanent, Full-Time Physiotherapist as part of a collaborative, interprofessional team in Cobourg with the Northumberland Family Health Team (NFHT). The successful candidate will provide physiotherapy services to a wide variety of adult patients within the NFHT, with a focus on Musculoskeletal injuries, Chronic Disease Management (with a focus on COPD and persistent pain), and Wellness and Prevention. The successful candidate will be well organized with excellent clinical/critical thinking skills and able to work both independently and within a team environment. This position comes with paid vacation and an opportunity to enroll in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).

About Us: NFHT is a non-profit, primary health care organization providing over 26,000 patients with timely access to a comprehensive range of services and programs aimed at managing and preventing disease and improving health status. The inter-professional team includes family physicians and professional staff, including nurses and nurse practitioners, occupational and physical therapists, dietitians, social workers and a pharmacist, who work together to provide person-centred, effective, collaborative and integrated care. For more information about our organization, please visit www.nfht.ca.

We can offer you:

• A team environment that strives for professionalism, respect and compassion, respects the role of the Physiotherapist and supports all providers to work to their full scope of practice
• A flexible schedule and environment that supports work-life balance
• Paid vacation, personal leave days and professional development paid time and expense coverage
• An opportunity to enrol in and contribute to your Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Eligible for benefits package

Must Haves:

• Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy.
• Current Independent Practice Registration in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and nurture positive working relationships both within and outside of NFHT
• Current Ontario Drivers’ License and access to a reliable vehicle
• Basic CPR certification

You will stand out as a candidate if you also have:

• Previous physiotherapy experience in a primary care and/or interdisciplinary setting
• Previous experience in the area of chronic disease management and prevention, including COPD management and a biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain, in particular.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and electronic medical records systems
• Registration in good standing as a Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE), is an asset.

NFHT supports diversity, equity and a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including women, visible minorities, indigenous peoples and persons with a disability.

We are committed to improving access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require a specific accommodation during the application, interview or recruitment stage, please contact us so that appropriate accommodations can be made.

Interested, qualified candidates are asked to submit a resume to the attention of Theo Barker, Executive Director, at info@nfht.ca.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Zoom Link click here.

This education program is open to the public. You do not have to be an NFHT patient to attend. The program is facilitated by our Physiotherapist, Pharmacist and a counsellor so they discuss physical pain, medications and mental health techniques to manage pain.

Next up on Wed. June 11, Guest Speaker Lindsey Campbell will talk about what are the contributing factors to pain and how a holistic approach may be beneficial.

For more information you can email info@nfht.ca or call 289-252-2139.

And for more information about NFHT’s pain support program for patients, please see nfht.ca/pain-management-program

Do you have a picky eater at home? Here are some simple tips that may help:

Top 10 tips for picky eating:

1. Try to follow a set eating schedule – kids do well on routine! Rule of thumb is 3 meals a day and 2-3 snacks a day in between meals.
2. Offer one safe food at each meal – bread, butter noodles, rice, potatoes.
3. Offer new foods on a separate plate.
4. Model the behavior you want for your child – if you want them to eat broccoli, show them that you also eat that food.
5. Get your kids involved in the kitchen – having your child set the table, chop veggies or help decide what to have for dinner can greatly increase their food intake.
6. Offer fun dips with new vegetables – salsa, cheese sauce, ranch dip, hummus.
7. Avoid distractions at meals – eat meals at the table and without screens.
8. If your child doesn’t want to eat, don’t force them! Trust that they will eat more at the next meal.
9. Offer new foods in different ways – e.g. corn on the cob, popcorn, corn salsa, creamed corn.
10. Avoid making a separate meal for your child, they can choose between which foods are being served at that meal.

Reminder – as the parent, you are responsible for WHAT, WHEN and WHERE your child eats, but it is up to your kid WHETHER and HOW MUCH they eat. Take some pressure off of yourself!

If you want more information about any of these ideas, and you are a patient of an NFHT affiliated doctor, then you can self-refer to book an appointment with one of our dietitians. Call 289-252-2139 or book online by clicking here.

The Northumberland PACE Speakers Series team is pleased to announce that registration is now open for their next virtual conversation, ‘The Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature’ on Thursday, April 24 at 5:30 PM featuring guest speakers, Dr. Anuja Sharma and Leslie Abram.

All are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required.

Find details and a link to the Zoom registration at www.pacetalks.com.

For additional information, click here to see the related news release.

Did you know that measles cases are on the rise in Ontario? The best thing you can do to protect yourself and those you love is:

• Know your vaccination status and if needed, get vaccinated with the MMR (measles mumps rubella) vaccine as recommended by public health. You can get a vaccination from your doctor’s office or public health (if you do not have a family doctor)
• Know the signs and symptoms of measles (can start with cold-like symptoms with a red rash starting on the face and spreading down the body after 3-7 days)

For detailed information, go to the public health website www.hkpr.on.ca/health-topics/infections/measles/

Mindfulness

Learn how practicing Mindfulness has many benefits including improving focus, managing stress, and helps you connect to those around as a few examples. Every session has different topics and different methods of how to practice mindfulness.

When: April 2, 16, 30 at 11 am
Where: Lower level of Northumberland Mall at NFHT
or online at Zoom click for link. 
To register email info@nfht.ca or call 289-252-2139.