SEIU Healthcare applauds Ontario's announcement of new investments in improving the quality and access to homecare

RICHMOND HILL, ON, April 23, 2013 /CNW/ - SEIU Healthcare welcomes the commitment to invest in improving quality and access to homecare, as part of a plan to meet the needs of an aging population and strengthen public healthcare. But Canada's largest healthcare union cautions that investments should go to the frontline not the bottom line.

"We must reduce the amount of homecare spending that goes to CEOs of private health care agencies," said Sharleen Stewart, President of SEIU Healthcare. "With only 35% of every public dollar spent going to frontline care, there are many opportunities to improve how healthcare dollars are allocated."

SEIU Healthcare made a presentation to Finance Minister Charles Sousa in early April for input on the development of the provincial government's 2013 budget. Recommendations focused on initiatives in community-based and long-term care designed to improve the cost efficiency and transparency of the health sector and improve both the quality and value of care people receive. Research shows that cost-effectiveness in health delivery is achieved when administrative costs are reduced and investments are made in front-line health professionals.

"There are thousands of seniors on the waiting list who are not classified as complex cases," said Stewart. "We need an action plan to reduce this waiting list which at times can be as long as 260 days."

SEIU is also urging the government to develop a long-term health human resource strategy for Personal Support Workers to help care for our rapidly aging population.

About SEIU Healthcare

SEIU Healthcare, Canada's largest healthcare union, represents more than 50,000 healthcare and community services workers across Ontario.  The union's members work in hospitals, home care, nursing and retirement homes and community services throughout the province. SEIU Healthcare has a strong track record of improving wages, benefits and working conditions for healthcare workers, supporting the training and development needs of its members, and strengthening standards in the management and delivery of patient and client care.

SOURCE: Service Employees International Union Local 1 Canada

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Kyle Ferguson 
Media Relations, SEIU Healthcare
Cell: 416-809-0699   Email: [email protected]