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Provides Information On Key Health Care Services
TORONTO, Dec. 20 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is moving forward with
its plan to tackle wait times with the launch of a new website that gives
Ontarians information on key health care services, Health and Long-Term Care
Minister George Smitherman announced today.
"Ontarians need good, solid information to help them understand why
people are waiting for health care services," Smitherman said. "This first
phase of Ontario's Wait Time Strategy website will inform Ontarians about what
wait times are, why they occur and what our government is doing to bring them
down."
The Ontario Wait Time Strategy website - which can be accessed by going
to: http://www.health.gov.on.ca - features:
- Explanations and examples of wait times (with links to various health
care organizations)
- Updates on what's happening to improve access to health care services
- Answers to frequently asked questions
- Myths and Facts about wait times.
By April 2005, data will begin being posted and regularly updated on the
website. By the end of 2006, the website will have complete information on
wait times for five key health service areas - hip and knee replacements,
cataract surgery, cancer surgery, MRI/CT exams and selected cardiac
procedures. The information will detail how many patients are waiting for
surgery, where they are waiting and for how long.
Ultimately the website will have information on every type of surgery
being performed in the province.
"Wait times are only a symptom of problems in managing how patients get
access to health care," said Dr. Alan Hudson, who is leading Ontario's Wait
Time Strategy. "This website is an important step in measuring that symptom
and solving the troubling issue of lengthy wait times. We are beginning to
collect data that compares the wait times between hospitals, allowing patients
to make informed decisions with their doctor about where to receive their
care."
This news release, along with other media materials, such as matte
stories and audio clips, on other subjects, are available on our website at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca under the News Media section.
For more information on achievements in health care, visit:
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca.
Version française disponible
-30-
For further information: Members of the media: Eva Lannon, Minister's Office, (416) 327-4320; Dan Strasbourg, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, (416) 314-6197; Members of the general public: (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154
Other news releases disseminated by this ministry
