MOHLTC - News Release - McGuinty Government and Ontario Medical Association Working Towards Solution on Emergency Department Coverage for Patients

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McGuinty Government and Ontario Medical Association Working Towards Solution on Emergency Department Coverage for Patients

Review of Emergency Room Coverage Models Ongoing

October 18, 2006

TORONTO – The McGuinty government and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) are making progress on a plan to ensure reliable, stable coverage to provincial emergency rooms.

"We have been working with the OMA over these past couple of weeks and are working diligently towards a resolution," said Ontario Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman. "A great deal of work has been going into reviewing a variety of options that will help ensure emergency rooms are covered province-wide. We are taking this challenge very seriously and are dedicated to finding the right solution for our patients."

"We have made progress and have identified a number of solutions." said OMA President Dr. David Bach. "We are determined to find a quick resolution to bring much-needed stability to the province's emergency rooms."

The ministry and the OMA jointly asked the Physician Services Committee (PSC) to examine the existing models of care for emergency room physicians and develop new models. The PSC is a joint committee of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ontario Medical Association which provides for policy development between the government and the medical profession.

The PSC will be meeting again tomorrow, with a clear expectation of providing a report to the minister and the OMA on Friday with finalized details being released next week.

The government and the OMA today also acknowledged the patience and goodwill of physicians, nurses and other front-line health care workers in Ontario while these discussions progress. They have shown exemplary dedication to their patients and their profession, ensuring that Emergency Departments in the province remain open and patients receive the health care they need.

For further information :

Members of the media :

David Spencer, 416-327-4320
Minister's Office

John Letherby, 416-314-6197
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

OMA Media Relations, 416-340-2862
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Members of the general public :
(416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154



Media Line Toll-free : 1-888-414-4774 In Toronto : 416-314-6197	If you are a reporter with a question for a story, or with comments about how this News Media section could serve you better, send us an email at : media@moh.gov.on.ca.

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