Quality and efficiency are critical to long-term sustainability of health
care system: Ontario's doctors

TORONTO, March 25 /CNW/ - In the face of ongoing economic challenges, Ontario's doctors commend the government for taking the necessary steps to increase quality and efficiency in the health care system.

Ontario's doctors have already made great strides in strengthening the system by helping more than 900,000 patients find a doctor, who did not have one, and performing more tests, surgeries and providing more after hours care. In addition, physicians have also been very active in advancing initiatives that protect the health and safety of patients and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

"We are proud of what has been accomplished over the past decade and we look forward to continuing our discussions with the government to create an even more comprehensive system that will improve patients' access to quality health care and delivers the best outcomes for patients," said Dr. Suzanne Strasberg, President of the Ontario Medical Association.

Dr. Strasberg pointed to a couple of key investments that will benefit patients including: $100M to reduce emergency room wait times; and a commitment to focus on preventative health care, specifically diabetes and expanding chronic kidney condition services.

Ontario's doctors welcome the opportunity to be a partner and provide constructive input into the upcoming review of the Public Hospitals Act in an effort to improve the relationship between hospital executives and physicians.

"Ontario's doctors are first and foremost accountable to their patients and equally important we are advocates for our patients," said Dr. Strasberg. "We have already offered several meaningful solutions that identify efficiencies and do not negatively impact on patient care."

For further information: OMA Media Relations, [phone] or 1-800-268-7215 x 2862