National Medicare Week has just passed, buoyed with optimism as a fresh-faced government takes the reins in Ottawa — elected partly on a promise of renewed federal leadership on health care. Yet these “sunny ways” are overcast by recent developments at the provincial level that entrench and legitimize two-tier care.
Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/colleen-m-flood/canadian-health-care_b_8813156.html
The dispute between Ontario doctors and the province over billing rates is threatening access to methadone treatment, with two private Toronto clinics closing their doors and patients in some rural communities facing an uncertain future.
The threat to service follows a 1.3-per-cent rate reduction imposed by the province last month on all fee-for-service billings. The money-saving measures also included targeted reductions, among them a 50-per-cent cut to rates paid to doctors for urine tests that are done once a week or more frequently as part of methadone therapy used to treat heroin and other opioid addictions.
Now at least one Toronto doctor says the fee cut amounts to roughly 25 per cent of his total revenue and means his smaller clinics are losing money. First Nations leaders also are warning access in rural and Northern communities is in danger because private clinics – where most methadone treatment is given – are not as financially attractive. Others say this latest battle over money points to deeper problems with how methadone treatment is delivered in Ontario that go beyond the current billing battle.
Frank Vassallo, the new CEO of the Kemptville District Hospital, doesn’t waste time. His feet hit the ground running when he entered his new role on Oct. 5.
Planning discussions are already underway for a new strategic plan at the KDH.
“Most organizations do one every two to three years,” Vassallo explained. The last KDH Strategic Plan was for 2012-2015.
“We need to really map out an effective community engagement process,” said Vassallo.
He explained the KDH will be tapping into the community’s objectives and needs.
“What they feel are priority initiatives,” said Vassallo. “To deliver effective health services.”
Read more at http://www.insideottawavalley.com/news-story/6059102-frank-vassallo-jumps-into-new-role-as-ceo-of-the-kdh/
TORONTO — A three year old boy from Guelph, now has a surgery date set in the U.S., thanks to an outpouring of community support.
Bentley Mitchell has cerebral palsy and currently needs a walker to get around. SDR surgery, offered in St. Louis Children’s Hospital, could help him walk independently.
Bentley was the guest of honour at Granite Homes annual golf tournament in Guelph, Ont.
The tournament donated nearly $35,000 raised by participants to Bentley.
His parents had been working for months to raise $125,000 for the surgery and related costs. They have now met their goal.
“It’s been amazing the support we’ve had. You can’t even put into words how touching it is,” said Chad Mitchell, Bentley’s father.
http://globalnews.ca/news/2242425/child-poised-for-surgery-in-u-s-despite-being-denied-ohip-funding/
This is a great article on the real cost of EMR in Ontario!
How much does is cost to care for a baby, pregnant woman, diabetic, heart disease patient, or provide primary care among the myriad of other services offered by your family doctor? According to the Ontario Government, too much. According to you and me?
I am not about to rehash the many exemplary articles and blog posts that have so eloquently outlined the issues (see attached PDF). My focus is to ask you a single question: Are you getting value for what is spent on primary care health teams?
