November 2016: Submission to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly Respecting Bill 41 – The Patients First Act

Response respecting the Bill 41 – Patients First Act: Care Watch appreciates the opportunity to review and comment on Bill 41 – The Patients First Act. Care Watch approaches its analysis from the perspective of the social determinants of health and that policies that support and advance the well-being of senior citizens will, in the long term, assist all Ontarians. Given an understanding of the social determinants of health, ensuring the well-being of all Ontarians requires intervention in multiple public service systems, and not just the health care system.

On the whole, few can disagree with the proposed intent of a Patients First philosophy and Care Watch supports approaches that place the needs of individual service recipients (not just “patients”) and their caregivers at the focus of a service system. However, Bill 41 is more about providers than patients or consumers. In fact, it still puts Providers First… Download to read full submission

28 September 2016: Submission to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Respecting: Levels of Care Framework Discussion Paper, September 27, 2016

Response respecting the Levels of Care Framework: Care Watch appreciated the opportunity to review the Levels of Care Framework discussion paper and to participate in recent consultations in Toronto. Care Watch’s feedback on the Levels of Care Framework discussion paper and consultations follows. In our analytic approach, Care Watch takes the position that policies that improve the wellbeing of senior citizens will, in the long term, assist all Ontarians… Download to read full submission

14 July 2016: Letter to Minister Hoskins providing input to the consultation process regarding restructuring on Ontario’s health care, and home and community care systems

Dear Minister Hoskins:

Care Watch, a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization led by senior citizens, advocates for quality home and community care services in Ontario.  We are pleased to provide input to the consultation process regarding the restructuring of Ontario’s health care, and home and community care systems.  We appreciate and applaud the Province’s willingness to engage system users, especially seniors, along with service providers in the discussion and decision-making process.

Care Watch supports the two principles of “patient-centeredness” and “client choice in service provision and providers” which are intended as foundations for restructuring. We would, however, add a third principle – provision of public service to Ontarians. While efficiency and efficacy in the use of public dollars should always be goals, and are demonstrably essential respecting health expenditures, reducing, eliminating or privatizing needed public services primarily to achieve “cost savings” is the antithesis of caring government policy…  Download to read full letter