Ontario government and doctors reach last-minute deal in effort to save virtual ERs
Ontario has granted a three-month funding extension for doctors to provide care through virtual emergency departments, The Canadian Press has learned.
Several hospitals had said they planned to shut down their virtual ERs -- and one says it still will -- because the provincial funding was set to run out after Friday.
The last-minute deal reached between the province and the Ontario Medical Association extends funding until June 30, said Health Minister Sylvia Jones.
"We will continue to work with the OMA to ensure that care is available to Ontarians where and when they need it," Jones wrote in a statement.
The government will "assess what is needed across the health-care system" for a long-term plan on virtual ERs, she said.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The Unity Health Toronto hospital network said the last-minute deal will not change its plan to shut its successful virtual emergency department.
Spokeswoman Jennifer Stranges said the department was "key in ensuring access and continuity of health services" during the pandemic.
"We're now looking at how as an organization we use virtual care to provide access to health services to our patients and community," she said.
Unity Health, which runs St. Michael's Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital, had partnered with University Health Network -- the largest hospital system in the country -- and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre on a virtual ER pilot project.
Last week, the CEO of the University Health Network said his hospital system's virtual ER program would not "cease," regardless of whether provincial funding came through or not.
"We'll continue to work with government to demonstrate to them why this is a worthwhile investment and how it helps one of their -- and our first -- priorities: not overwhelming emergency departments," Kevin Smith said.
"It's been a very successful endeavour -- about 85 per cent of people we see virtually don't need to come to hospital."
That equates to more than 3,000 patients who avoided an unnecessary trip to the emergency room.
The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto also said its virtual ER program will continue.
Hospitals across the province have grappled with extended periods of overwhelmed emergency departments over the past three years. Many emergency departments run close to 100 per cent capacity during normal times and struggle when surges hit.
Some were overrun with COVID-19 patients while others dealt with record numbers of viral respiratory patients, particularly pediatric hospitals last fall.
Numerous emergency departments across the province, especially those in smaller or rural communities, closed for hours, days or even weeks at a time last year. Hospital officials have said those closures were primarily due to severe staffing shortages, particularly nurses.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.