Ontario Hospitals Call for Significant Increase in Canada Health Transfer

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2016 /CNW/ - The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) today called for an increase in the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) provided to provinces by the Government of Canada by a minimum of 5.2 per cent. This evidence-based figure, supported by both the Conference Board of Canada and the Parliamentary Budget Officer, is needed to help fund the entire health care system in order to meet the needs of a growing and aging population, while arresting a decline in healthcare related transfer payments to the provinces by the Government of Canada.

"Ontario hospitals are extremely efficient and at present, they are also under enormous pressure to meet the needs of patients," said Anthony Dale, OHA President and CEO. "Increased federal investment would help ease demands on hospitals by helping to build much needed capacity in other parts of the health care system. The OHA is disappointed that the federal government is proposing ongoing base funding growth of just 3.5 per cent in the CHT, an amount that does not keep up with growth in patient and client need.

Ontario's hospitals have a very strong track record of changing and innovating in order to improve quality and reduce costs.  Unfortunately, after years of austerity they are also now at the outer limit of their ability to absorb new costs pressures. In addition, the number of alternate level of care patients in Ontario hospitals is now at 15 per cent, and rising.  Ontario's healthcare system needs more capacity and a significant increase in the CHT is essential if hospitals are to reduce wait times, maintain access to care and meet the needs of Ontario's increasingly complex patient population."

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

For further information: Samantha Grant, OHA Government Relations Consultant, 416-205-1376 or sgrant@oha.com