David Matthews/NDP
1. As Simcoe-Grey’s population ages,
what’s the most important health care service you think this segment of
society will need and what does your party plan to do to ensure that
this health care service is always at the ready?
As the population ages in Simcoe-Grey,
there will be several important health care services required. Firstly,
we must eliminate the long waiting period for home care support. For
every $12,000 a day spent keeping seniors in a hospital bed, 15 people
can be treated in their homes through attendant care. Secondly, we need
readily accessible long-term care units for those seniors with complex
medical needs. We must open more government-run, long-care homes for
seniors. Thirdly, we require more doctors. We will forgive student
debts to doctors who practice in under-serviced communities.
2. How do you feel about the success of
the LHINS (Local Health Integration Networks, responsible for the
regional administration of health care) and what are your plans – if any
– for changes to them?
The LHINS have only been moderately
successful in the regional administration of health care. For example,
only half of the LHINS are meeting the five-day target for home care.
We must study the cost effectiveness of the LHINS and decide whether
there is a more effective way to make health care more accountable to
local communities.
3. Local hospitals in Alliston and
Collingwood are aging and in need of updates and expansion, what is your
plan for these types of infrastructure needs?
During the past twenty years we have
seen the building of two major hospitals in the region around
Simcoe-Grey: One in Orangeville and one in Barrie. With the increase
of population in Simcoe-Grey our two hospitals must now get the funding,
not only to expand, but also to acquire more updated equipment. I will
fight to get the funding for both hospitals to get the upgrades
required to better service our population.
Lorne Kenney/Liberal
1) As Simcoe-Grey’s population ages,
what’s the most important health care service you think this segment of
society will need and what does your party plan to do to ensure that
this health care service is always at the ready?
Ontario Liberals know that the most
important health care investment we can make for our aging population is
home and community care. The 2014 budget, rejected by the opposition,
included a $270 million commitment for community care, which would have
helped more seniors receive high quality care in or close to their
homes. Helping our seniors get the best care really is the goal.
2. How do you feel about the success of
the LHINS (Local Health Integration Networks, responsible for the
regional administration of health care) and what are your plans – if any
– for changes to them?
Our LHINs have been very successful in
bringing health-care decision-making closer to the local level, ensuring
that care is reflective of the communities served. It ensures high
quality care is delivered in a sustainable way to communities. For
example, it accounts for the fact Collingwood's hospital is a major
regional orthopedic site, important to both seniors and our recreation
sector.
3. Local hospitals in Alliston and
Collingwood are aging and in need of updates and expansion, what is your
plan for these types of infrastructure needs?
The Liberal government will be investing
over $11.4 billion, precisely targeted for hospital expansions or
redevelopment projects over the next 10 years. I am strongly in favour
of major capital expenditures for both Collingwood and Alliston
hospitals, my number one priority. Both have received planning support
for their renewal/refurbishment and are on the right track.
Jesseca Dudun/ Green
1) As Simcoe-Grey’s population ages,
what’s the most important health care service you think this segment of
society will need and what does your party plan to do to ensure that
this health care service is always at the ready?
Offering seniors the help they need to
stay in their own homes is key. It is fundamental to sustainable health
care for our aging population that we keep people out of expensive
hospital beds and allow them to be discharged faster, without
compromising their well-being. The Green Party will invest additional
funds, focusing on home care, assisted living, long-term care services
and additional tax credits for family members staying home to care for
seniors.
2. How do you feel about the success of
the LHINS (Local Health Integration Networks, responsible for the
regional administration of health care) and what are your plans – if any
– for changes to them?
Identifying needs and integration of
health care services, at the local level, is important to a
well-functioning health care system. Improvements are always possible.
We support refocusing our system to prioritize and concentrate on the
promotion of good health and the prevention of illness and disease – to
focus on true health care, not just sick care.
3. Local hospitals in Alliston and
Collingwood are aging and in need of updates and expansion, what is your
plan for these types of infrastructure needs?
The Green Party will continue to fund
the infrastructure needs of community hospitals. Our platform also
prioritizes investments in front line community care, nurse practitioner
led clinics and family health teams. These clinics and practices team
doctors with nurses, dieticians, psychologists, counselors, midwives,
physiotherapists and others to ease the burden on our larger
institutions by focusing on prevention of illness.
Jim Wilson/Progressive Conservative
1) As Simcoe-Grey’s population ages,
what’s the most important health care service you think this segment of
society will need and what does your party plan to do to ensure that
this health care service is always at the ready?
Aside from redeveloping our Alliston and
Collingwood hospitals, we need to support hospices. I have been
relentless in fighting for fair funding for our local
hospices, successfully securing funding for Hospice Georgian Triangle in
Collingwood. I will continue to fight for Matthews House in Alliston.
We also need to focus on patients, like young Madi Vanstone of Beeton
who needs access to essential treatment.
2) How do you feel about the success of
the LHINS (Local Health Integration Networks, responsible for the
regional administration of health care) and what are your plans – if any
– for changes to them?
Our plan is focused on making you and
your family as healthy as possible. We think nurses, doctors, community
care organizations and hospitals know best what care you need, not
bureaucrats who never see a patient. We will eliminate the LHIN
bureaucracy and change the focus from the needs of administration to the
needs of patients.
3) Local hospitals in Alliston and
Collingwood are aging and in need of updates and expansion, what is your
plan for these types of infrastructure needs?
I am the guy who has been fighting for
the redevelopment of our hospitals. I secured new dollars to clear the
wait list for dialysis in Collingwood and I brought back the birthing
unit and helped get the CT scanner in Alliston. I have the experience
to get our hospitals rebuilt and I will get the ball moving.
