RNAO to Prime Minister Stephen Harper: now is the time to discuss a 2014 Health Accord

TORONTO, July 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Ontario's top nursing association is renewing its call for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to join discussions regarding the restoration of our country's Health Accord, which is set to expire next year.

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is issuing this appeal as Canada's premiers and territorial leaders (members of the Council of the Federation (CoF)) meet in Niagara-on-the-Lake from July 24 to 26 to discuss how to maintain and further enhance Medicare, our country's cherished social program.

RNAO was pleased to join the Canadian Nurses Association and the Canadian Medical Association to contribute its expertise to the Health-Care Innovations Working Group, formed by the CoF to work and report on: scope of practice for health-care providers, management of health resources costs, and clinical practice guidelines. RNAO was also proud when, as part of that working group, the CoF selected and then chose to implement RNAO's best practice guideline on diabetic foot ulcers across the country. RNAO looks forward to this work, continuing with pan-Canadian strength and resolve.

"By placing evidence at the very forefront of patient care, the CoF leaders have shown they are steering the future of health in the right direction," says RNAO President Rhonda Seidman-Carlson, who adds, "This similar kind of forward-thinking is crucial when it comes to Canada's health blueprint. Prime Minister Harper: now is the time to get back to the table to discuss a 2014 Health Accord."

As the CoF meets from July 24 to 26, RNAO will also be reminding the leaders that advancing primary care, home care and Pharmacare must also be at the top of the agenda. "This is Tommy Douglas's "Second Phase" of Medicare and this is where federal and provincial decision makers will enhance our health-care system cost-effectiveness for all," says RNAO Chief Executive Officer, Doris Grinspun.

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve.

For more information about RNAO, visit our website at www.RNAO.ca You can also check out our Facebook page at www.RNAO.ca/facebook and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RNAO.

SOURCE: Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Melissa Di Costanzo, Communications Officer/Writer
Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO)
Phone: [phone] ext. 250
[email protected]