Ontario Hospital Association Welcomes New Funding to Address High Patient Volumes this Flu Season
TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) welcomes the Ontario government's significant investment today to help care for patients this coming flu season.
"Ontario hospitals appreciate the government's timely action in responding to the immediate capacity challenges within the health care system," said Anthony Dale, President and CEO of the OHA. "While hallway health care will not be solved overnight, the investments announced today will significantly improve the health system's ability to care for patients this coming winter when patient volumes are expected to be at their highest."
As flu season nears, it's becoming clear that Ontario's health care system is under enormous pressure. In July 2018, at a time when hospital occupancy rates are usually much lower, there were 4,455 patients, occupying 15 per cent of hospital beds, waiting for a more appropriate level of care (ALC), such as home care or long-term care. That means one in six hospital beds is being used by a patient who could be better served in a different setting.
Last year, occupancy rates grew throughout the fall, peaking at the height of flu season in January, and so did wait times for patients admitted through emergency departments. Some patients often received care in hallways, boardrooms and other unconventional spaces that are not conducive to high-quality patient care.
"Ending hallway health care over the long term will take systemic solutions, new ideas and deep collaboration among all health system partners. We look forward to contributing to this transformational effort and to ensuring that ultimately, patients have timely access to the health services they need at the right place and at the right time."
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
Shabnum Durrani, Director of Public Affairs, 416-452-1699, [email protected]
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