It's time to shake up Ontario's health care system and look for solutions in the private sector, says the president of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce.
With shrinking resources at hospitals and across the health care system, combined increased demand for service, local business could be the missing puzzle piece that completes the healthcare picture in Barrie and across Ontario.
"Let's have a conversation with the private sector and not be afraid of it," he said. "Maybe finding partnerships will be the key to closing the gaps."
It's a concept that already works, with many private businesses providing services supported by the government or funded by the public.
Hospice Simcoe is one example that Jackson says is successful and innovative.
"It's a good one," Jackson said. "They provide palliative care better than anyone else in Simcoe County."
By developing partnerships and services with public sector support, the government would be taking pressure off hospitals.
Audiology services, physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics are other examples of services provided by the private sector and funded through the healthcare system.
"This would need to be spearheaded by the provincial government, but we want to start the conversation," Jackson said.
"People are worried about the future sustainability of our health care system and we need to do something."
"Transformation through Value and Innovation: Revitalizing Health Care in Ontario", a study by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, coincides with new survey data showing 80 per cent of respondents are ready for broad reform and modernization in health care.
"We have already started to see healthcare cuts locally, with 32 active jobs being eliminated from the RVH's 2016-2017 budget and another 24 vacant positions which will not be filled," Jackson said.
On the same day staff cuts were announced at RVH, the County of Simcoe voted to cut spending at local nursing homes and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit approved $1 million in cuts to balance the budget.
"Health spending in Ontario represents almost half the provincial budget, and as our population ages, it is projected that health care costs to government, individuals, and employers will grow well beyond sustainable levels."
Chamber study findings include:
- Opportunities for partnerships with the private sector to determine how businesses can be productive partners within the single payer model
- Looking at successfully operated International Health Care delivery systems that can be studied and implemented in Ontario
- Examine long-term solutions to health care challenges, not just short term fixes
For more information, visit transformhealth.ca.