News Release
McGuinty Government Appoints Investigator to Review Emergency Services in Waterloo Region
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October 4, 2006
WATERLOO – The McGuinty government has appointed former University Health Network (UHN) President and CEO Tom Closson as an investigator to review the delivery of emergency services at hospitals across Waterloo Region, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.
"Every Ontarian deserves access to quality emergency services. There are serious concerns right now with the delivery of those services in Waterloo region, so we are taking decisive action to address those problems," Smitherman said. "Appointing Tom Closson to investigate this situation is an important step towards fixing those problems and restoring the confidence of Waterloo Region residents in their emergency services."
The Investigator will :
- Review the emergency services systems, including medical coverage, at Waterloo Region's hospitals
- Work with local hospitals to develop a plan to improve their emergency services systems
Mr. Closson will work with the community, the hospitals, key stakeholders and the Waterloo-Wellington Local Health Integration Network to achieve these objectives.
"I am dedicated to ensuring people in Waterloo Region have access to a strong, robust emergency health care system that fulfills their needs," said Closson. "I look forward to working closely with local health care providers and the community to resolve this situation and ensure the effective delivery of emergency services in the area."
"Mr. Closson is one of the most experienced, knowledgeable health administrators in the country. I have full confidence that his review will help us resolve the problems that currently exist in Waterloo Region," added Smitherman.
The Minister also announced he will recommend to Cabinet that Mr. Closson assume the duties of Supervisor for Grand River Hospital. On October 1, 2006, Minister Smitherman provided Grand River Hospital with notice of his intention to recommend that a supervisor be appointed for the hospital under the Public Hospitals Act.
Under legislation, the health minister must notify the board of a hospital at least 14 days before recommending to Cabinet that a supervisor be appointed. On the minister's recommendation, Cabinet may appoint a supervisor if it considers that it is in the public's best interest.
Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.
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
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Members of the general public : (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154
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