OHA Welcomes HQO's Report on End-of-Life Care and Underscores Need to Greatly Accelerate Health System Capacity Planning

TORONTO, Dec. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of its members, the Ontario Hospital Association welcomes Health Quality Ontario's (HQO) recently released report, End-of-Life Healthcare in Ontario.  The report focuses on palliative care services in the province and highlights the need for greater access to these services, especially in light of the aging population.

"It's essential that we strengthen Ontario's healthcare system to meet peoples' needs at every stage of their life," said OHA President and CEO, Anthony Dale. "People nearing the end of their life deserve no less than to be fully supported with the right level of care so that they are better able to pass-on with peace and dignity.  HQO's report indicates that there is much more still to do in order to achieve this goal."

HQO's analysis is important as it provides an essential starting point for evidence-based decision-making in the area of palliative care.  Its analysis regarding end-of-life care is vital to building a robust and responsive health care system with the capacity to meet Ontarian's health care needs into the future.

"HQO's report provides a powerful illustration of how important it is to deliberately understand and create a capacity plan to meet Ontario's changing health service needs," said Dale. "For several years the OHA has been calling for the development of a long-term health system capacity plan so that Ontario has the right range and mix of services available into the future.  Given the complex demands and challenging facing our healthcare system, it is imperative that we greatly accelerate our efforts in this crucial area." 

Ontario Hospital Association
The 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

Akilah Dressekie, OHA Public Affairs Specialist, 416-205-1376, [email protected]