Need for Increase to Federal Health Transfer Payment Growing More Urgent, say Ontario Hospitals Français
TORONTO, Jan. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) today reiterated its call for the federal government and the provinces to immediately re-establish negotiations toward mutual agreement on future funding levels for the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) following the breakdown in discussions late last year.
The CHT is a vital source of funding for health services across Canada. Funding increases are urgently needed to help meet the needs of a growing and aging population, while arresting a decline in healthcare related transfer payments to the provinces by the Government of Canada.
"Over the past decade, Ontario hospitals have worked relentlessly to innovate with their health system partners to transform the delivery of care and build capacity across the continuum, while making their operations even more efficient. On a per capita basis, Ontario hospitals are funded $4.5 billion less compared to other provinces, freeing up scarce resources for other equally important health services. After years of austerity, even with recent reinvestments, hospitals are now at the outer limit of their ability to absorb significant new cost pressures. Increased federal funding is essential if Ontario's health care system is to meet the needs of patients and clients into the future."
The OHA urges the federal and provincial/territorial governments to return to the negotiation table in order to establish a national agreement on the CHT. Capacity demands on Ontario's health care system are rising rapidly. After several years of relative stability, the number of alternate level of care patients in Ontario hospitals is now more than 15 per cent, and rising. Emergency room visits are at an all-time high. Increased federal funding would play a pivotal role ensuring that more patients and clients receive the care they need in the most appropriate clinical setting."
About the Ontario Hospital Association
The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is the voice of Ontario's public hospitals. Founded in 1924, the OHA uses advocacy, education and partnerships to build a strong, innovative and sustainable health care system for all Ontarians.
SOURCE Ontario Hospital Association
Samantha Grant Consultant, Government Relations, 416-205-1376, [email protected]
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