A new provincial healthcare bill is not sitting well with our local MPP.
Earlier this week, the province passed Bill 41, the Patients First Act, saying it will make it easier for Ontarians to get health advice, and find a new family doctor or nurse practitioner. The bill is also meant to save money by reducing healthcare administration to put more money into patient care.
Prince Edward-Hastings MPP Todd Smith says Bill 41 will eliminate Community Care Access Centres by folding them into bigger Local Healthcare Integration Networks. It will also take away the Ontario Ombudsman’s independent oversight of the healthcare system in exchange for a Patient Ombudsman who answers directly to the Ministry of Health.