Ontario Home Care Association response to Drummond Commission

TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Home Care Association (OHCA) Board of Directors commends the Drummond Commission on the release of its long-awaited report - Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services.  The Report, with 105 recommendations specific to health care, provides a comprehensive and over-arching analysis of public services in Ontario.  Options and rationale are presented to support the numerous recommendations, many of which align with the plans and strategies already initiated by Minister of Health & Long-Term Care Deb Matthews.

Home care is a key element of the reformed health system envisioned by the Commission and the Ontario government.  The Commission draws on longstanding evidence that has demonstrated home care's potential as a cost and care effective service that supports the needs of the aging population in Ontario.  As the Report states, "none of what [is] said will surprise anyone who manages the healthcare system today".   OHCA has advocated for a robust and well resourced home care system that appropriately utilizes and integrates all members of the team to achieve value and to assist Ontarians who wish to receive care at home and remain independent.

OHCA commits to continuing to work collaboratively with all health system partners to further explore the Commission recommendations.  As Minister Matthews has said, we must work together to realize the opportunities and make Ontario "the healthiest place in North America".

About the OHCA

The OHCA, the voice of home care in Ontario, is a membership association representing providers of quality home care services from across Ontario.  OHCA members represent an estimated 25,000 staff collectively serving 300,000 Ontarians per year.  OHCA works with families as integral partners in the delivery of home care services and estimates that 1.2 million Ontarians are impacted by members.   OHCA is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of the home and community health care sector by helping to shape health care policy, supporting members to excel, and being a leading source of information on home and community care.  OHCA members are accredited through Accreditation Canada, CARF, and/or registered with the International Standards Association (ISO).

Susan D. VanderBent, Executive Director
Phone: [phone] 
Fax: [phone] 
Email: [email protected] 

For the latest in news and information about the home care sector in Ontario, subscribe to the Ontario Home Care Association's "House Call" at www.homecareontario.ca.