Ontario Hospital Association Statement Regarding Access To Hospital Services On February 11th Due To Meeting Of Anesthesiologists
Ontario Hospital Association
200 Front Street West, Suite 2800
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3L1
Tel: (416) 205-1345 Fax: (416) 205-1360
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Thursday, January 27, 2005
TORONTO - The following statement was issued today by Hilary Short, President and CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association regarding access to operating rooms on February 11th as the result of a meeting of Ontario anesthesiologists:
"The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is currently surveying every hospital in Ontario to understand exactly what the lack of availability of anesthesiologists on February 11th will mean to patients. As of this morning, we understand that GP anesthesiologists are not participating in the February 11th meeting. We also understand that access to emergency services will be maintained in hospitals as well. The OHA is asking hospitals how many operating rooms will close, if any, as the result of the meeting of anesthesiologists and the extent to which scheduled procedures will be affected, if at all. We will share the province-wide results of this survey when it is available. The OHA will continue to monitor this changing situation and will take all necessary steps to minimize its potential impact on patient care. The OHA has been in contact with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Ontario Medical Association and College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario about this matter and is hopeful that patient services will be affected as little as possible."
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For further information:
OHA Public Affairs
416-205-1348