LHINs should integrate with Ministry of Health: Thomas

KINGSTON, ON, Feb. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - The Local Health Integration Networks should themselves be subject to integration says Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of the 130,000 member Ontario Public Service Employees Union.

Thomas says the LHINs have been a smokescreen for decisions that are really being made by the Ministry of Health.

"It's time to reflect that reality by integrating them formally with the Ministry and stop pretending otherwise," he said.

That doesn't mean the public should be cut out the decision making process - quite the opposite.

OPSEU is asking that all integrations follow a process of public consultation, including full disclosure of any plans to transfer health services or merge health care providers. Accountability for the system should clearly reside with the elected government, not un-elected appointees.

Thomas will appear before the Kingston hearing of the Standing Committee on Social Policy Tuesday, February 11 at 9:45 a.m. at the Waterfront Holiday Inn, 2 Princess St, Kingston.

SOURCE: OPSEU

Rick Janson, OPSEU Communications: 416-525-3324 (cell)