Ontario Hospital Association: Inflationary Funding Increase Will Strengthen Access to Care

TORONTO, Feb. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - "Today the Ontario Hospital Association will provide a submission on behalf of its 147 member hospitals to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs as part of their 2016 pre-budget consultations.

Ontario hospitals are champions of patient-centred care and have developed strong partnerships with government and other providers in an effort to create a better experience for patients and clients across a range of services. In late December, the government announced its plan to restructure Ontario's healthcare system. While the focus of this work is to enhance the integration of primary care, home and community care and public health, Ontario hospitals look forward to playing a leadership role, providing constructive ideas and advice to ensure implementation is focused always on patient and client need.

Ontario hospitals have shown tremendous leadership in their efforts to further improve their performance. However, after four years without an increase in base operating funding, hospitals are now at a critical juncture. As hospitals absorb growing operating costs, it is increasingly difficult to invest in other important health care priorities, such as capital improvements, new medical and diagnostic equipment, and information and communications technology.

With time, health system restructuring has the potential to improve access to primary and home and community care, thereby easing pressure on hospitals. But the sector must also work together to provide stability in the interim. An investment in hospital operating costs will help to ensure stability within Ontario's healthcare system during this restructuring period.  Hospitals need transitional funding for operating cost pressures so that access to services can be maintained.  An inflationary funding increase for hospitals in the 2016 Ontario Budget will keep wait times low, maintain access to elective surgery and ensure that important health service programs are maintained."  

Ontario Hospital Association

The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is the voice of Ontario's public hospitals. Founded in 1924, the OHA uses advocacy, education and partnerships to build a strong, innovative and sustainable health care system for all Ontarians.

SOURCE Ontario Hospital Association

Samantha Grant, Public Affairs Specialist, 416-205-1376