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
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.