A visit with Ontario’s minister of long-term care
On Jan.16, RNAO CEO Doris Grinspun and policy director Matthew Kellway met with Merillee Fullerton, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care. As readers may know, the health and long-term care portfolio was split into two with the cabinet shuffle in June 2019. Christine Elliott remains minister of health, while long-term care is now overseen by Fullerton. Key among the topics discussed at the January meeting were the recommendations from Justice Eileen Gillese’s public inquiry to study the adequacy of staffing levels for registered nursing staff in long-term care, and to report on the findings by July 31, 2020. The minister committed to consulting with RNAO. She also agreed that the funding model for long-term care homes is perverse. Currently, homes that improve the health of residents (for example, reducing falls and pressure injuries) lose funding given their case mix index (CMI) decreases. RNAO says these issues must be addressed if the ministry wants to ensure seniors receive safe and dignified care.
RNAO developed evidence-based fact sheets and political action bulletins on two priority issues for discussion with MPPs at its annual Queen's Park Day in February 2020. A better approach to long-term care in Ontario was one of those priority issues. Click HERE to read these resources.
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