Press Conference - Local Hospital Cuts and McGuinty's Rural and Northern
Health Care Panel

TORONTO , Oct. 22 /CNW/ -

    
    What:  On Friday October 23rd, the Ontario Health Coalition, Municipal
    -----  leaders and community leaders will be holding press conferences
           regarding the McGuinty government's Rural and Northern Health Care
           Panel.

    Why:   In response to our protest of thousands last spring, the McGuinty
    ----   government announced a panel on Rural and Northern Health Care.
           According to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, "The panel
           will provide recommendations to the government on how to better
           coordinate the delivery of health care services in Ontario's rural
           and northern areas." These press conferences are in response to
           the Terms of Reference process set out for this panel and hospital
           cuts in the Muskoka region.

           Hospital funding is still a major problem. Hospitals are under
           threat of continued deficits, cuts and closures. Consequences
           include increased wait times in the remaining ERs; worse rates of
           hospital-borne infections in overcrowded hospitals; more user fees
           as laboratories, physiotherapy and other clinics are privatized;
           patients forced to long term care homes far away from their
           families and support systems; and privatization of formerly
           non-profit public services.

    When:  Friday October 23rd, 2009
    -----

    Press Conference Locations:
    ---------------------------

    Burk's Falls

    Location: In front of Burk's Falls and District Health Centre, 150 Huston
    Street
    Time: 9:00am-9:45am

    Huntsville

    Location: Rainbow Inn, Meeting Room, 32 King William Street
    Time: 10:30am-11:15am
    

For further information: Natalie Mehra: [phone] cell or [phone]