RNAO to release major report on what's missing in the government's plan for health system transformation

TORONTO, May 6, 2016 /CNW/ - As Ontario's Minister of Health prepares to unveil significant changes to the way health care is delivered in the province, members of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) say a key element to ensure the plan's success is missing.

Representatives of RNAO, the professional body that speaks for the province's registered nurses (RN), nurse practitioners (NP) and nursing students, will reveal the gap along with a set of recommendations in a landmark report at Queen's Park on May 9, the first day of Nursing Week.

During the past year, Health Minister Eric Hoskins released three reports that provide a road map to his goals for the system, including re-orienting it within community-based care, increasing public transparency, providing more co-ordinated and integrated services that match the health needs of the population, monitoring the health system's performance, and improving accountability.

RNAO welcomes these changes but says the system won't get there on its own, adding that its recommendations will help drive the minister's vision for a health system that truly puts patients first.  

WHO:

• Carol Timmings, President of RNAO
• Doris Grinspun, CEO of RNAO
• Marion Zych, Director of Communications, RNAO

WHAT:

• Release of RNAO's landmark report on the gap in Minister Hoskins' plan for health system transformation

WHERE:

• Queen's Park Media Studio, Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Queen's Park, 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto

WHEN: 

• Monday, May 9, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.

RNAO is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve. For more information about RNAO, visit RNAO.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

or to arrange an interview with RNAO's CEO or president, please contact: Marion Zych, Director of Communications, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), Cell: 647-406-5605 / Phone: [phone], [email protected]; Daniel Punch, Communications Officer/Writer, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), Phone: [phone] ext. 250, [email protected]