Health files
This edition of Health files includes proposed health care solutions, news of doctor shortages and the ongoing problem of COVID in long-term care.
Medevac delay reveals health care deficiency in Indigenous communities
“We have to start changing the system to make sure they are able to respond in a way that can save lives. We have far too many people dying in our community without receiving medical care, without even going to the hospital,” Pimicikamak Chief David Monias told Manitoba News, October 10, 2022.
CMA president speaks out on his vision for better health care
“When we talk about the federal role, I think there are two things to remember. The first is that collaboration already happens when it sets key policy priorities. The problem is that we’re all in silos, and we’re not maximizing the benefits that cooperation and collaboration could provide. . .
“. . . We can truly transform the system to be something better. At the end of the day, a leader’s most important role is helping people to engage with issues and have them care about them but also have hope that things can change. I think we can hope that systems can change because people can change,” said Canadian Medical Association President Dr. Alika Lafontaine in iPolitics, October 10, 2022.
COVID outbreaks in long-term care increasing (again)
“If you institutionalize people, you put them all together . . . you’re going to end up with infections. You can’t avoid it. If they had created in-home and residential care in the community two-and-a-half years ago when we told them to do it, we would not now be in this situation because the people leaving hospital would be going into small, home-like environments delivered by non-profits and by municipalities,” said Patricia Spindel, co-founder of Seniors for Social Action Ontario, in the Toronto Star, October 8, 2022.
Saskatchewan has almost no family docs taking new patients
“We are paid under a fee-for-service model, which scares away a lot of graduates from starting practices. They don’t necessarily want to run a business.They’re concerned about generating enough income, while if they got a job at the hospital … they have a guaranteed hourly income,” said Dr. Adam Ogieglo, a family physician and partner at Lakeside Medical Clinic in Saskatoon, CBC News, October 5, 2022.
Doctor shortage in Hay River flood emergency
“As I got back on a plane to Vancouver after my two weeks in Hay River, I couldn’t help but wonder whether it’s time we treated disparate emergency room closures across Canada as what they truly represent — a national public-health emergency that requires extraordinary solutions,” Dr. Anthony Fong, Vancouver-based journalist, emergency physician and clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, in CBC First Person, October 5, 2022.
Nova Scotia government to hold community consultations on health care, starting Oct. 19
“Health care is Nova Scotians’ most pressing concern. We want to have a dialogue with Nova Scotians about the healthcare system, our progress in improving it and the need to do things differently if we want better results. It will take time, but we are focused on improving our healthcare system so it’s reliable, responsive and ready when Nova Scotians need it,” stated Nova Scotia Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson in a government press release, October 11, 2022.
The views expressed in these articles are held by the individuals and organizations quoted and do not necessarily reflect the exact views of the CHC and its members. Comments welcome.
