For Immediate Release August 2, 2013 Ontario Physiotherapists Support Changes to Physiotherapy The Ontario Government Improves Health Care for Seniors OAKVILLE -- Amanda Smart, president of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) recently released a letter supporting the physiotherapy funding reforms made by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) advocates reform as meaningful changes have not been implemented since the 1960s and the OPA have experienced a variety of inefficiencies with the old model. “Currently, the majority of publicly funded physiotherapy clinics are located in southern Ontario and does not allow for the expansion of new clinics. Therefore, many seniors cannot access these vital services,” said Kevin Flynn, MPP Oakville. In addition, the current OHIP fee-for-service model lacks appropriate checks and balances, providing incentive for physiotherapist providers to maximize patient visits regardless of need and subsequently costing the system unnecessary amounts. The new model allows the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) to expand their in-home physiotherapy services to more seniors. Long-term care homes will be allocated funds to ensure the needs of their residents are adequately met. “Exercise and falls prevention classes are an important component of long-term health and injury prevention,” remarked Flynn. “Funding will continue to be provided for seniors to access these exercises classes both in long-term care homes and independent seniors living in the community.” Physiotherapy will continue to be publicly funded. Exercise and falls prevention classes will be offered in multiple locations throughout the community. No additional fees will be charged and there is no limit to the number of classes seniors can attend. The OPA supports the Ministry of Long-Term Health’s initiatives because they believe in assuring program sustainability, providing access to all seniors in need and getting the best value for our dollar. -30- For more information contact: Grace Johnson (905) 827-5141 lfpress/2013/07/25/smart-thumbs-up-from-ontario-physiotherapists
Posted on: Fri, 02 Aug 2013 19:20:13 +0000
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