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As
we begin the 21st century, it is fitting to look back at our
health care system, see where we have come from, and map out
a path for the future.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, as with all other provinces, we
are part of a publicly funded health system. In this system,
everyone has equal access to care regardless of his or her financial
situation or other circumstances, and those who are most sick
are seen first.
MEDICARE
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EQUAL ACCESS FOR EVERYONE
Our expectations for health services have changes over the years.
Before Newfoundland and Labrador even joined Canada in 1949,
Medicare was debated in other provinces. Our biggest health
concern was managing acute problems like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
The goal then was to make access to physicians and hospitals
easier so that people could be treated, and diseases brought
under control. There was little concern for primary health care
services aimed at preventing illness and disease and working
with communities on a routine basis to ensure people reach optimal
health in the context of their own life.
In the 1960's,
the father of Medicare, Tommy Douglas, founded the system that
is still in place toady. He always maintained that Medicare
would be implemented in two stages. The first would provide
public payment for private practise focused on illness treatment.
In other words, if you need a surgery, which is performed by
a specialist, government will fund it through public dollars.
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The
second stage would feature physicians practising in collegial
teams with nurses and other professionals within a system
refocused on the maintenance of health and prevention of illness.
This stage has been a little harder to achieve.
EMBRACING
CHANGE
In
recent years, our health system has undergone significant
restructuring. Some of this is due to financial constraints;
some is due to out aging population; and some is due to our
shift to the second stage of Medicare - or an approach focused
on maintaining our health and preventing illness within our
own limitations. Change is not easy. In Newfoundland and Labrador,
we set up a regional board structure a few years ago so that
decisions affecting heath and community services could be
made in close consultation with the people. We are able to
tailor your needs to your region specifically because of more
direct contact with those administering the system.
As
a government, we have had to adopt changes too. For several
years now there has been a decline in the federal money coming
into our province that is used to assist the delivery of health
and community services. We have faced reality, however, and
recognized the need
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for increased
provincial funding in this area in order to maintain the same
level of service provided to you in the past.
There
are challenges facing all provinces, like recruiting and retaining
nurses, physicians and other health professionals. This is
no different in our province. We are regularly faced with
the need for new and improved technology. New equipment costs
hundreds or thousands of dollars, and as the needs are identified,
we work with boards to insure the latest technology is available.
Today there are over 60,000 seniors in our province. With
an aging population, this number will grow. We will be prepared
for a higher demand for home care and a higher demand for
nursing home beds. Government has decided to embrace change,
to plan the health and community services programs of your
future. We want to be ready to meet your needs.
PLANNING
FOR THE FUTURE
The
next few years will be met more change in the health and community
services sector. Policy makers, citizens and health professionals
together will determine the future of our services. Maintaining
the vision for Medicare is vital. While we may have to adopt
certain practices, or shift our focus more toward enhancing
the health and well being of individuals, families and communities,
our bottom line must remain secure - our publicly funded system
must remain intact. Only in this fashion will every single
person in this province and country keep the kind of access
to health only dreamed of by other countries around the world.
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