Health News For Champlain


Thursday, February 19, 2009
Ontario Hospital Association
OHA Supports Initiatives to Improve ER Performance, Transparency

Ontario Hospital Association OHA Supports Initiatives to Improve ER Performance, Transparency TORONTO, Feb. 19 /CNW/ - Ontario's hospitals support new Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care initiatives to improve transparency and reduce wait times in hospital emergency rooms said Tom Closson, President and CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA).

"Hospitals are committed to reducing wait times in emergency rooms, and to improving the patient experience," said Closson. "Measuring and collecting data on emergency room wait times will give hospitals, caregivers and decision-makers the information they need to create or tailor solutions to reach those goals."

For the first time, the hospitals will publicly report on the time patients are spending in emergency rooms on www.ontariowaittimes.com. This information will help provide patients with a sense of how long they may be in the ER.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has also set performance targets for the amount of time patients spend in emergency rooms. The targets are:
  • Four hours for patients with minor or uncomplicated conditions, which require less time for diagnosis, treatment and observation
  • Eight hours for patients with complex conditions, which require more time for diagnosis, treatment or hospital bed admission

Patients will also be able to learn more about alternative health care options in their community by visiting www.ontario.ca/healthcareoptions.ca.
However, the OHA stressed that any individual who believes they need emergency care should visit the closest hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

"I commend Minister Caplan and the Government of Ontario for making accurate, verified information about emergency department wait times publicly available - and for dedicating resources to improve them," says Closson. "As we have seen with surgical wait times, transparency, when coupled with dedicated resources, can lead to improvements for patients."

The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is the voice of Ontario's public hospitals. Founded in 1924, the OHA uses advocacy, education and partnerships to build a strong, innovative and sustainable health care system for all Ontarians.

For further information: OHA Public Affairs, Lanre Banjoko, (416) 205-1371.

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