Government Action Plan Proposes Transformation of Ontario's Health Care System

TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs and Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario are pleased with the Ontario government's development of an Action Plan for Health Care. The Action Plan comes out of a need to improve quality and access to health care throughout the province, while addressing the fiscal challenges of health care spending.

Through Ontario's Action Plan for Health Care, the Government has committed to building a stronger, client- centered health care system. It promises to improve the delivery and quality of health care services by ensuring:

• That clients receive the support they need to become healthier Ontarians
• Faster access as well a stronger link to family health care
• The right care is provided at the right time, at the right place

These improvements will require a significant shift in health care spending across the province with a focus on community delivery. Some of the highlights of the Action Plan include:

• Strengthening community supports, particularly for seniors to improve accessibility to health care services and to shift procedures from the hospitals that can be done safely in the community.
• Providing timely, preventative care particularly in mental health which will begin by implementing Ontario's Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, focusing on children and youth as well as a $30M commitment in the Liberal Platform focused on improving adult services in mental health and addictions.
• Bringing planning for family health care under the Local Health Integration Network, to ensure that patients experience a more seamless transition in their local health care system.
• Improving partnerships with health care providers across Ontario.

These reforms are necessary to transform the health care system and to make Ontario the healthiest place in Canada.

To access the full report please click on the following link: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/ecfa/healthy_change/

About OFCMHAP

OFCMHAP brings together community mental health and addiction services in the province of Ontario to help members provide effective, high-quality services through information sharing, education, advocacy and unified effort.

To arrange interviews or for more information, please contact:

David Kelly
Executive Director
Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs
Work: [phone]
Cell: [phone]