Friday, April 25, 2008
For the Attention of
Hospital Board Chairs, CEOs, OHA Board of Directors and CACN Members
Tom Closson
President and CEO
Ontario Government Outlines Top Priorities for Health Care over the Next Four Years
Yesterday, Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care George Smitherman announced during a speech that his two major priorities for the health care system are reducing wait times in emergency rooms (ER) and increasing access to family health care in an effort to boosting Ontarian's confidence in the health care system.
Reducing ER Wait Times
Smitherman outlined his view that hospital ERs are not currently being used effectively, and that certain patients could be better supported at home or in the community. The Ministry’s goal over the next four years is to ensure that ERs are used to provide intense, acute care to those who need it in a timely fashion.
The Minister stated during his speech and while answering media questions that a resolution to the ongoing Alternate Level of Care challenge is critical to reducing ER wait times. According to the Minister, the Aging at Home strategy will be the platform for the Ministry’s efforts, and support a variety of measures to help seniors and those with chronic disease and mental health issues live independently for as long as possible. A series of Aging at Home initiatives is expected to be rolled out in the weeks ahead.
As you know, the OHA has been very active in promoting solutions to the ALC challenge with senior government decision-makers. We were pleased to see the Minister directly link success in reducing ER wait times with reducing the numbers of ALC patients in hospitals, and make a solid commitment to direct action on the ALC challenge in the time ahead.
Increased Access to Family Health Care
Building on past investments and successes, the government plans to introduce 50 more Family Health Teams (FHTs), 25 more nurse practitioner-led clinics and 9,000 more nurses to the province, focusing on team-based care as the model of choice. Increasing access to family health care will also help ease the pressure on ERs by providing care within the community.
The official release detailing the announcement of these two priorities can be found on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website at:
http://ogov.newswire.ca/ontario/GPOE/2008/04/23/c8674.html?lmatch=&lang=_e.html
Should you have any questions about the Minister’s presentation, please contact Tami Harel, OHA Public Affairs, by telephone at 416-205-1346 or by email at tharel@oha.com.