New Report Offers Strategies to Help Bend the Health Care Cost Curve

TORONTO, April 15 /CNW/ - Today, the Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centres (OACCAC), the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs (OFCMHAP) and the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), released "Ideas and Opportunities for Bending the Health Care Cost Curve: Advice for the Government of Ontario", a report presenting tangible, essential and evidence-based ideas in search of additional efficiencies, while also improving access and quality of care.

"With the government facing a record deficit and the challenges of an economic recovery, this report offers valuable ideas and opportunities for delivering health care in newer and better ways," noted Margaret Mottershead, CEO for the OACCAC. "The need for leadership on this issue is not new to us - we've had a long-standing commitment to improving efficiency and standards of care."

Health system leaders have recognized the importance of containing costs within Ontario's health care sector, which means providing Ontarians with greater value-for-money in delivering efficient, quality care. Over the years, the OACCAC, OFCMHAP and the OHA have acted as thought leaders, individually and collectively, in finding new ways to develop increased efficiencies for the system.

"Our partnership of Associations has produced sound, responsible ideas and demonstrated our willingness to move forward together. However, we know that in order to translate these ideas into reality, we require the support and ongoing partnership of government," expressed David Kelly, Executive Director, OFCMHAP.

"The OHA has always seen the value and need for strategic partnerships within the health system, however, this imperative has never been more broadly recognized than today," communicated Tom Closson, OHA's President and CEO.

So far, the government has proposed a number of strategies such as the adoption of a Patient-based Payment model to reward efficiency and quality, while also recognizing population pressures within local communities. The recent Throne Speech and 2010 Ontario Budget indicate the government's commitment to focus on the viability and quality of the system "through a path of constant reform," signaling a move towards introducing quality legislation, which calls for increased accountability among all health care providers and a review of the Public Hospitals Act - initiatives which are welcomed by all three Associations.

However, real and lasting change can only be achieved with the appropriate policy changes, the establishment and enforcement of best practice standards, and targeted investments by government. With these enablers in place, the health system will be able to respond effectively to the changing environment and better meet the health care needs of Ontarians.

The collaboration of health care organizations will also be hosting an educational conference on June 2, 2010, entitled "Bending the Cost Curve of the Health Care System: From Ideas to Action", which will cover a range of perspectives from various health system partners with respect to the ideas and strategies put forth in the paper. For more information, and to register for the conference, visit www.oha.com, under "Calendar of Events".

About the OHA:

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.

About the OACCAC:

The Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centres (OACCACs) is the voice of the CCAC sector, a key player within a sustainable integrated health care system. The OACCAC fosters strategic alliances within the health care system while continuously delivering high quality shared services to members and health care partners.

About the OFCMHAP:

The federation brings together community mental health and addiction services in the province of Ontario to help members provide effective, high-quality services through information sharing, education, advocacy and unified effort.

For further information: Media contact: Tamarah Harel, OHA Public Affairs, [phone], [email protected]