Ontario Hospital Association Welcomes Winter Surge Plan

Extra capacity intended to assist in maintaining access to services during flu season

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2017 /CNW/ -  The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) welcomes today's announcement of a surge plan to assist hospitals and the home and community care sectors in addressing high patient volumes this upcoming winter.

"The OHA appreciates the government's leadership and work in developing this plan," said OHA President and CEO Anthony Dale. "The investments announced today will improve the health system's ability to serve patients this coming winter, especially during flu season."

This past summer, wait times for patients admitted through emergency departments hit the highest monthly level recorded since the province started measuring wait times nine years ago. Some of the province's largest hospitals experienced, and continue to experience, occupancy levels exceeding 100 per cent. In response, hundreds of unbudgeted beds have been opened province-wide. These conditions triggered calls for an aggressive investment in services in 2017-18 to avoid a possible crisis within Ontario's health care system.

"These capacity pressures are not only unusual but worrisome," Dale said. "It's a clear demonstration of the need to accelerate change and innovation while also investing in hospitals and across the continuum over the long term. It is essential for hospitals, the government and the community to work together to ensure ongoing access to health services now and in the time ahead."

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