Sault MPP cautiously optimistic about a health care solution
Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano says he’s cautiously optimistic a solution can be found in providing primary care to thousands of local patients being de-rostered and who are at risk of being de-rostered through the Group Health Centre.
Romano also said he’s willing to meet with anyone who wants to know about the work being done to provide primary care to patients in the city.
His comments come following a request from United Steelworkers Local 2251, in which they requested a face-to-face between Romano and the unions.
"As you are aware, the Group Health Centre itself has de-rostered 3,000 patients prior to 2024 and is de-rostering 10,000 patients as of May 31," the letter read.
"It was also stated by the Group Health Centre that 6,000 more are at risk."
The letter’s authors go on to cite an alleged incident in which a local doctor applied for a grant from the provincial government to train up to 51 international doctors presently in Sault Ste. Marie and was denied.
"If this in fact is the case, it must be the provincial government of which you are part of, who is denying requests/applications. This is extremely puzzling," the open letter goes on to say.
CTV News contacted Romano on Thursday evening for comment and he said he had only learned of the incident shortly before the rest of the city on January 11.
He has since put together a taskforce in hopes of coming up with a mission statement, both short- and long-term, and solutions to addressing the issues involving doctor shortages.
"The taskforce is comprised of a representative of every type of primary care provider in our community. I tried to bring generational perspectives from all age groups," Romano said.
"We also have a number of specialists who are part of the taskforce."
The MPP said he has been working closely with the Ontario Ministry of Health in a bid to come up with a solution to the crisis.
"I can make no guarantees, but I’m cautiously optimistic, but I’m working towards that because I refuse to lose sight of those patients," he said.
Adding he's hopeful they can come up with a solution before May 31 in hopes of giving affected patients enough time to transition before the final date.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
The union’s letter was signed by 17 different individuals who make up much of the city’s organized labour force.
Earlier this year, 10,000 patients of the Group Health Centre were notified by letters that they would be losing access to their primary care providers and same-day clinic services after May 31.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.