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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 2004 Investment in home care will build
public confidence, Markham, ON - As the federal election debate heats up, Saint Elizabeth Health Care is putting home care on the health care agenda, urging each political party to be specific about their plans to invest in this vital and growing sector. "We've been talking about the benefits and potential of home care and the need for proper investment since the early 1990s," said Shirlee Sharkey, president and chief executive officer of Saint Elizabeth Health Care. "What we need now is action." In his landmark report to Canadians, Roy Romanow dubbed home care "the next essential service" and highlighted the need to address current disparities in home care services across the country. Although Canadians have consistently supported the expansion of home care, governments have been slow to respond. With an election now just around the corner, that may soon change. The Liberal health care platform - released yesterday in Coburg - pledges $2 billion for the establishment of a National Home Care Program, encompassing services for post-acute care, palliative care and mental health. "If the Liberals are in fact elected and this investment actually comes to fruition, it will help to kick start a comprehensive national home care program, including the three priority areas identified by Romanow," said Sharkey. Moreover, provinces and territories already funding these services could free up resources to provide additional and much needed services for people with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. In addition to direct services, Sharkey also reinforced the need to invest in qualified home care personnel and supports for a healthy work environment. Lack of comparable compensation across sectors is frequently reported as a problem for recruitment and retention of home care staff. "An investment in home care targeted to client care and front-line workers will strengthen the system as a whole, building public confidence and facilitating improved health access for all - whether it's in home care, acute care, long-term care or primary health care," said Sharkey. "We look forward to hearing more from the other parties regarding their specific plans and priorities for this dynamic and evolving sector." Saint Elizabeth Health Care is committed to working with the elected government on improving home care and advancing healthy public policy. We do not endorse any one political party or candidate. Established in 1908, Saint Elizabeth Health Care is a Canadian not-for-profit charitable organization who shares its talent and wisdom in the areas of direct service delivery, consultation and eSolutions, to support the transformation of care for health organizations and the people they serve. -30- For more information, contact: Leading the Evolution of Health Care Sources |