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Cambridge MPP Rob Leone was pleased to host his first annual senior’s fair on Friday at Lang’s in Cambridge, helping to answer health questions that seniors in the area may have. The Ontario PC Party has launched two white papers dealing with healthcare issues, with much of the content devoted to improving standards and accessibility for our parents and grandparents.
“No senior should have questions about their health that go unanswered,” Leone said. “Canadians have a compassionate healthcare system and it was built with them in mind. It’s up to us to bring it into the 21st century and present new ideas to keep improving the system.”
Discussion papers from the Paths to Prosperity series, Patient Centre Healthcare and A Healthier Ontario, outline a detailed plan that put patients first and better use our precious healthcare dollars.
Among the bold ideas put forward: combine all resources when treating chronic disease, provide dedicated care such as nurses to our patients with the highest needs and help seniors live better at home where they are comfortable, avoiding unnecessary hospital visits. Leone says that’s the message that seniors in Cambridge are sending him as well.
“We have to address the inefficiencies in the system. Providing healthcare that is patient-centred is the best place to start. ”
Leone pointed out that almost 40% of the over $44 billion dollars spent on healthcare goes toward seniors, a number that is likely to increase. He was also critical about the way healthcare has been delivered by the current Liberal Government.
“Wasting a billion dollars at eHealth and poured money into the LHIN’s (Local Health Integration Network) with failing results can’t continue if we are serious about making home care a priority,” Leone said. “If this government isn’t interested in standing up for seniors, they should step aside.”
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