OHA Welcomes Budget Investments in Health Care Following One of the Worst Winters on Record, Funds Provide Needed Stability
TORONTO, April 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) welcomed the investments in health care in the 2019-20 Ontario Budget following a winter during which hospitals continued to serve as the health system safety net by providing care for a record high number of alternate-level-of-care patients.
"The investments announced in today's Budget will help maintain access to services as the fundamental changes needed to transform Ontario's health system are put in place," said Anthony Dale, President and CEO of the OHA. "Hospital overcrowding is the direct result of poor planning and inadequate capacity in other important areas of Ontario's health system. We look forward to working with the government and health provider partners to bring about the changes that are so clearly needed."
Today, hospital overcrowding is widely recognized as one of the largest challenges facing Ontario's health system. Every day, more than 1,000 people receive care in hospital hallways and other unconventional spaces. In February, a record high of over 5,000 patients waited in hospital beds to be discharged to their homes, long-term care or another more appropriate setting. Currently, one in six hospital beds is occupied by someone who could be better served outside of the hospital.
"Ontario's hospitals are very proud to be the most efficient in Canada and will continue to innovate and transform in order to make even better use of the taxpayer's resources," added Dale.
While individual hospital allocations are not yet known, the OHA will continue to work closely with government in order to ensure stability and ongoing access to services in communities across the province in the year ahead.
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
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Amanda Philp, Public Affairs, 416-205-1311, [email protected]
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