Wrong Care in the Wrong Place: CFHI Report Calls For A Stop to Unnecessary Hospitalizations

OTTAWA, June 15, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI) will release a new report showing how unnecessary hospitalizations due to chronic disease have reached the tipping point of seriously harming this country's healthcare system.

The results will be released on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.

Of all chronic diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is now the number one reason for hospitalizations in Canada, accounting for the largest number of return visits to emergency departments. COPD, a chronic lung disease known for its debilitating breathlessness, also generates the highest volume of hospital readmissions – yet, this doesn't have to be the case. According to CFHI, it's time to fix Canada's failing approach to chronic disease.

The report will feature:

• New results from a national initiative showing how hospitalizations due to COPD can be dramatically slashed
• Provincial statistics highlighting the impact of COPD on hospitals across Canada
• The dramatic results of four Quebec-based healthcare teams that significantly reduced readmissions by helping patients manage their care closer to home:
  • Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux du Bas-Saint Laurent,
  • Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de Montérégie-Est,
  • L'Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal
  • L'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec

• Dramatic provincial results from 19 Canadian healthcare teams that significantly reduced readmissions by helping patients manage their care closer to home

"Across Canada, patients end up seeking care in emergency departments to manage their chronic illnesses because more appropriate care isn't available in the community," says Maureen O'Neil, President CFHI. "These patients are getting the wrong care in the wrong place."

Spokespeople:

• Maureen O'Neil, President, CFHI
• Stephen Samis, Vice President, CFHI
• Regional representatives from participating hospitals
• Real stories from patients who no longer seek care for COPD at the hospital

The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement identifies proven innovations and accelerates their spread across Canada, improving patient care, the health of Canadians and value-for-money. These innovations could save healthcare budgets over $1 billion per year.

For more information, or to arrange media interviews, please contact:

• Elissa Freeman – 416-565-5605
• Robyn McIsaac (Atlantic Canada) – 902-440-1551
• Brigitte Filiatrault (Quebec) – 514-521-8216
• Holly Roy (Western Canada) – 780-991-2323

SOURCE Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement

Image with caption: "Logo: Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CNW Group/Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160615_C2380_PHOTO_EN_714008.jpg

Joel Baglole, Senior Communications Specialist, Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, Phone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]