St. John Ambulance endorses the Principles to Guide Health Care Transformation in Canada

OTTAWA, May 22, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) announced today that St. John Ambulance has agreed to lend its support to the growing list of organizations that have endorsed the Principles to Guide Health Care Transformation in Canada.

This brings to 137 the number of organizations that have lent their support to the founding principles for creating a patient-centred health care system.

"On behalf of St. John Ambulance, it is my great pleasure to provide endorsement of the Principles to Guide Health Care Transformation in Canada. Our organization commends the CMA's efforts in advocating for a better health care system in Canada," said Mairi Arthur, Chancellor, St. John Ambulance, Canada. "Every year, St. John Ambulance certifies more than 550 000 Canadians, enabling them to improve their health, safety and quality of life. Having a health care system that supports Canadians' health needs is of utmost importance for our organization."

"As an emergency and preventative medicine physician, I see every day the urgent health care needs of Canadians," said CMA president Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti. "St. John's Ambulance endorsement of these important principles is a testament to the importance the organization places on improving the health of all Canadians."

The principles were developed in 2011 by the CMA and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) to guide the transformation of the health care system in Canada. They include ensuring that the public health system in Canada provides quality care, is sustainable, equitable, accountable, and patient-centred, and that greater emphasis is placed on prevention. (Click here to read the principles)

About St. John Ambulance in Canada: First Aid and CPR save lives. As Canada's standard for excellence in First Aid and CPR services, St. John offers innovative programs, ensuring Canadians receive the best quality training. Revenue generated from our First Aid/CPR training supports St. John Ambulance's charitable work at home and around the world.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 80,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada, for the highest standards of health and health care.

SOURCE: Canadian Medical Association

Lucie Boileau, Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Outreach, Canadian Medical Association, [email protected], Tel.: [phone] ext. 1266 / Cell. 613-447-0866, www.cma.ca; Clara M. Wicke, Director, Marketing and Communications, St. John Ambulance, National Office, Tel: [phone] Ext 261 / Cell: [phone], [email protected], www.sja.ca