Simcoe-Grey candidates on health care

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.