Northern doctor calls for changes to improve health care in the north
A northern Ontario doctor is making recommendations to the Ontario government when it comes to improving health care in the north.
Dr. Stephen Cooper was among representatives from the Ontario Medical Association who made a presentation Tuesday as part of the government’s pre-budget consultations.
Cooper, a family doctor, said when it comes to health care, there’s always more work to do.
“Lots of work to do, yes,” he said.
“Patients are waiting and they don't want to wait any longer."
Cooper was one of two northern Ontario doctors representing the OMA who made a presentation to the province’s standing committee on finance and economic affairs as part of Tuesday's pre-budget consultations to improve northern Ontario health care.
“I’d like to think they’re listening to the OMA and to myself,” Cooper said.
“But I think they’re listening to their constituents that are saying they need to move forward on this. It’s patients that are making the loudest voice.”
The OMA is making three recommendations, including that the province license more foreign-trained physicians by creating a practice-ready assessment program to get internationally trained doctors to underserved northern communities
The OMA also wants to create a centralized wait list for procedures with a referral and triage management system for surgeries, and allow diagnostic services and equipment to be provided to long-term care homes to alleviate pressure on hospitals.
“It’s about helping the system,” Cooper said.
“I think we’re trying to get away from just going to hospitals. It’s about alleviating the wait time for primary care, community specialists, or home care and hospitals.”
Cooper said last year, northern Ontario experienced a shortfall of 325 family doctors, psychiatrists, pediatricians and other health care specialists and only expects that number to worsen if action isn’t taken.
“This year, we’re seeing 350,” he said.
“So it’s a worrying trend in the wrong direction despite the fact the ministry has put a lot of good problems in.”
North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico said the city has had some successes.
"There's the doctor attraction program that the city participates in with the regional hospital and that has been very successful,” Chirico said.
“We continue to lobby the government."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.