Stranger Things Have Happened!

The following really caught my attention as I was browsing for e-Health material last week!

http://www.nationalreviewofmedicine.com/issue/2007/09_30/4_policy_politics_16.html

ELECTION COVERAGE

Canada's largest province heads to the polls

Healthcare issues omnipresent as Ontario election date approaches

By Graham Lanktree

Some have said the October 10 Ontario election is in large part a referendum on the current Liberal government's record managing the province's giant healthcare budget. With its large population, huge territory to administer and its ever-rising healthcare expenses, Ontario's campaign debate has thus far proven them right. Many of the most important battles between the three major parties have been waged over the sustainability of healthcare spending.

….. (See the URL for the full article)

This was only mildly interesting for someone on the other side of the world until I noticed the following paragraph further on in the article.

“Ontario's progress on e-health records (EHR) is well behind that of Alberta, BC and PEI, but the Liberals are still aiming for universal EHR coverage by 2014. The Conservatives make similar promises and say they will immediately take advantage of the federal funding for e-health programs the Liberals have missed out on.”

Good heavens – politicians on both sides wanting to spend on e-Health! How enlighted.

A little further research came across the following from the Opposition Leader.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2007/08/c6840.html

Tory to invest $8.5 billion in health funding

TORONTO, Sept. 8 /CNW/ - Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory today pledged to infuse Ontario's health care system with much needed funds,while improving results for taxpayers.

"When it comes to better planning for better health care, one thing matters most: results. We must ensure that the funding is in place to achieve these results," said Tory. "It all starts with a commitment to universal, publicly funded health care - that is guaranteed to grow."

Tory was in Toronto today to tour the Toronto East General Hospital.

Speaking outside the hospital, Tory said he will significantly increase health care investments so that by the last year of a PC Government, annual funding will be $8.5 billion more than it is today.

Tory's plan ensures that there are resources available to serve our aging population, our communities and our families. Key investments include:

• $540 million over four years to support the implementation of electronic health records;

• $400 million in new annual investments by 2011-2012 to recruit and retain doctors and nurses;

• $100 million for new investments in long-term care, including capital renewal and increased food allowances;

• $100 million for mental health initiatives with a focus on children and Aboriginal communities; and

• $100 million to accelerate improvements in home care services, allowing more people the dignity of staying in their own home while reducing the strain on our hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Tory also committed that a PC government would provide additional growth funding for ommunities where health care services are increasingly strained because of a rapidly growing population.

"Instead of empty promises and wasteful spending, we will invest more in health care - to reduce wait times, improve service in underserved areas, and ensure that more Ontarians have access to a family doctor. For a stronger health care system, leadership matters."

What joy – the e-Health promise is at the top of the agenda!

I wonder can we “make it so” (Sorry Captain Picard) for the upcoming Australian election!

David.