Report shows families hurt by health cutbacks: NDP

NEWS RELEASE

FRANCE GELINAS, MPP
NICKEL BELT

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Report shows families hurt by health cutbacks: NDP

QUEEN’S PARK - NDP Health Critic France Gélinas says a new report shows Ontario hospitals are being forced to close beds, shut clinics and cut services that cannot be replaced by community-based agencies.

“People hear the McGuinty government promising there won’t be cutbacks in our hospitals, but they see services they rely on being cut day after day,” said Gélinas. “In tough economic times, people need to know that their health care will be protected.”

This morning, the Ontario Health Coalition released Austerity Index: Health care cuts and deficits across Ontario, a report detailing recent cuts and deficits to health care services in our province.

Gélinas said the Ontario Health Coalition's report paints a concerning picture about the state of health care in our province.

“Families are worried about long waits in the emergency room wait times, finding a family doctor and a caring for aging parents. Instead of tackling these challenges in the Legislature, the Liberals shut it down to focus on themselves. It’s time to get back to work.”

Ontario's New Democrats recently launched new consultations focusing on improving health care in Ontario.

The discussion guide entitled Delivering Access. Ontario's Challenges: A consultation on healthcare is available on the Ontario NDP website

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