Ongoing Work Needed to Monitor and Build Capacity across Ontario's Health Care System
TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2017 /CNW/ - The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) welcomes the Ontario government's investment in long-term care today, including the addition of 30,000 beds over the next 10 years, with 5,000 opening in the next four years, and $15 million for housing in existing retirement communities.
"Today's announcement is a significant contribution to building capacity across the system," said Anthony Dale, President and CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association. "An ongoing commitment to long-term planning and investment is what's needed to ensure that Ontario's patients and clients have access to the highest quality of health care in the most appropriate setting, especially as demands on the system increase in the years ahead."
Evidence illustrates that there is currently not yet enough capacity in the wider health care system to care for the thousands of frail elderly patients who cannot be discharged from hospital. Approximately 16 per cent of all hospital beds are in use by patients that are waiting for care outside of the hospital, putting significant pressure on hospitals and leading to growing wait times.
"As the initiatives announced today are implemented, it will be critical for government and all health care providers to continue to monitor and assess system performance. Ongoing investments across the continuum of care will also be needed to reflect the growing and changing needs of patients."
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
Aslan Hart, OHA Public Affairs, 416-205-1376, [email protected]
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