RPNAO applauds government's commitment to put patients first

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 2, 2015 /CNW/ - The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO) is encouraged by a number of the priorities highlighted in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's new Action Plan for Health Care.

"Our association has been advocating on behalf of nurses and patients for many of these changes," says Dianne Martin, Executive Director of RPNAO. "We are very pleased that the government is committing to implementing these changes, which are so urgently needed, to Ontario's health care system."

In addition to supporting the plan's focus on transforming Ontario's health care system into one that puts the needs of patients first, RPNAO specifically applauds the government's plans to:

• Expand scope and remove barriers to full practice for nurses,
• Improve access to home care for those who need it most,
• Expand mental health and addiction services, and
• Protect our universal public health care system to sustain it for generations to come.

"The action items in this plan are urgently needed. Patients, their families and the nurses and others who work in Ontario's health care system simply can't wait any longer for these challenges to be resolved," says Martin. "We look forward to working with the government to help make the proposals outlined in this plan a reality."

About RPNAO
Founded in 1958, RPNAO is the voice of registered practical nursing in Ontario. There are approximately 35,000 RPNs working in Ontario, playing a vital role in the province's health care system. For more information about RPNAO, its mandate and how RPNs contribute to Ontario's health care system, please visit rpnao.org.

SOURCE Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario

Dianne Martin, Executive Director, 905-602-4664