Monday, February 28, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
One little lady -and courageous whistle blowing made a difference
Osprey Media Group Inc. - Brantford Expositor: "year later
By Susan Gamble
Local News - Saturday, February 26, 2005 @ 01:00
The story of 86-year-old Norma Stenson and pictures of her abuse at the hands of workers in a local retirement home and a long-term care facility shocked those in the industry, the government and families with loved ones living in seniors facilities
Those involved say everything changed in the ensuing year ? and nothing changed.
***
The government has promised sweeping changes and has been slowly implementing some of them.
There are now surprise visits by the provincial inspectors, who formerly would warn long-term care facilities months in advance of their inspections.
A provincial Web site now allows people to look at those inspection reports. Its value is questionable, however. Confirmed abuse is almost non-existent, the reports are eventually up to a year out of date, and they don?t say whether the home in question has taken steps to clear up the problems.
Toll-free phone lines ? 1-866-434-0144 for long-term care issues and 1-800-361-7254 for retirement home complaints ? have been set up.
Important new legislation is expected to be introduced shortly, some of it based on the Brantford situation.
Brant MPP Dave Levac says he can?t yet go into details, but hints the proposed law will make it mandatory to report suspicions of abuse to the ministry, and will expand the protection for whistleblowers in long-term care facilities. Another important change is the expected separation of two roles that have been carried out until now by the same person. The compliance officer will ensure the home is doing what it?s supposed to do, while the inspector will shut the home down if i"
By Susan Gamble
Local News - Saturday, February 26, 2005 @ 01:00
The story of 86-year-old Norma Stenson and pictures of her abuse at the hands of workers in a local retirement home and a long-term care facility shocked those in the industry, the government and families with loved ones living in seniors facilities
Those involved say everything changed in the ensuing year ? and nothing changed.
***
The government has promised sweeping changes and has been slowly implementing some of them.
There are now surprise visits by the provincial inspectors, who formerly would warn long-term care facilities months in advance of their inspections.
A provincial Web site now allows people to look at those inspection reports. Its value is questionable, however. Confirmed abuse is almost non-existent, the reports are eventually up to a year out of date, and they don?t say whether the home in question has taken steps to clear up the problems.
Toll-free phone lines ? 1-866-434-0144 for long-term care issues and 1-800-361-7254 for retirement home complaints ? have been set up.
Important new legislation is expected to be introduced shortly, some of it based on the Brantford situation.
Brant MPP Dave Levac says he can?t yet go into details, but hints the proposed law will make it mandatory to report suspicions of abuse to the ministry, and will expand the protection for whistleblowers in long-term care facilities. Another important change is the expected separation of two roles that have been carried out until now by the same person. The compliance officer will ensure the home is doing what it?s supposed to do, while the inspector will shut the home down if i"
Friday, February 25, 2005
Doctor shortage - St. Catharine News
We need solutions to get more doctors or alternatives to make existing resources more effective. Suggestions anyone?
Osprey Media Group Inc. - St. Catharine News: "Physician recruitment program's funding threatened
ROBERT LAPENSEE
Local News - Friday, February 18, 2005 @ 08:00
With an estimated 25,000-30,000 St. Catharines residents still without a family doctor, the future of the City's physician recruitment program is up in the air as council looks to reduce the proposed budget for 2005.
Item 10 on the second of three reductions lists being considered in order to cut an 11.5 per cent levy increase down to a 2.8 per cent increase is proposing to take out the City's funding for the program, representing a savings of $36,800.
City Treasurer Colin Briggs had department heads prepare a list of possible reductions in order to meet council's wishes of chopping $6.79 million out of the proposed $87 million budget.
Brock Dickinson, the director of the economic development and tourism department at city hall, said the city money is the only source of funding for the program and cutting it out will eliminate the program altogether at a time when residents need one to exist.
'We are considered an under serviced area by the province,' Dickinson told the Niagara News, adding St. Catharines is 15 doctors short of being fully serviced. 'With an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 people without a family doctor, that is certainly approaching a crisis situation.' "
Osprey Media Group Inc. - St. Catharine News: "Physician recruitment program's funding threatened
ROBERT LAPENSEE
Local News - Friday, February 18, 2005 @ 08:00
With an estimated 25,000-30,000 St. Catharines residents still without a family doctor, the future of the City's physician recruitment program is up in the air as council looks to reduce the proposed budget for 2005.
Item 10 on the second of three reductions lists being considered in order to cut an 11.5 per cent levy increase down to a 2.8 per cent increase is proposing to take out the City's funding for the program, representing a savings of $36,800.
City Treasurer Colin Briggs had department heads prepare a list of possible reductions in order to meet council's wishes of chopping $6.79 million out of the proposed $87 million budget.
Brock Dickinson, the director of the economic development and tourism department at city hall, said the city money is the only source of funding for the program and cutting it out will eliminate the program altogether at a time when residents need one to exist.
'We are considered an under serviced area by the province,' Dickinson told the Niagara News, adding St. Catharines is 15 doctors short of being fully serviced. 'With an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 people without a family doctor, that is certainly approaching a crisis situation.' "
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Federal Budget 2005
Not a bad pre-election budget - maybe Mr.Dithers has seen the light-chuckle. QJ
Federal Budget 2005 | canada.com Network: "The $12.6 billion in tax cuts, which begin with a marginal $187-million reduction in the coming fiscal year starting April 1, include a gradual increase in the amount Canadians can earn tax free to $10,000 from $8,500, and an increase in annual RRSP limits to $22,000.
The budget also eliminates the 30 per cent limit on foreign holdings in registered pension plans, which the investment community has been advocating, and for savers boosts the amount in their bank accounts that are insured to $100,000.
For businesses, the budget eliminates the corporate surtax, which was introduced as a temporary deficit reduction tax on large corporations, and cuts the general corporate income tax rate to 19 per cent from 21 per cent, which Goodale says will allow Canada to maintain its tax advantage over the U.S.
Businesses, while applauding the tax relief, were quick to criticize the slow five-year pace at which the relief will be dished out.
'It?s too little, too slow,' said Jayson Myers, economist with the Manufacturers and Exporters Canada, who said that, despite Goodale?s claim, Canadian companies are at a 25-per cent tax disadvantage with their American competitors.
'The tax cuts are ... a disappointment,' agreed, Nancy Hughes Anthony, head of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
She and other business leaders were also critical of what they warned is an excessive and unsustainable pace of spending increases.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation also complained that the 'personal income tax relief starts out measly' and that there will be too much spending, especially on the Kyoto 'sinkhole.'
But it applauded the continued pay down of the debt, which by the end of this fiscal year will have fallen below the"
Federal Budget 2005 | canada.com Network: "The $12.6 billion in tax cuts, which begin with a marginal $187-million reduction in the coming fiscal year starting April 1, include a gradual increase in the amount Canadians can earn tax free to $10,000 from $8,500, and an increase in annual RRSP limits to $22,000.
The budget also eliminates the 30 per cent limit on foreign holdings in registered pension plans, which the investment community has been advocating, and for savers boosts the amount in their bank accounts that are insured to $100,000.
For businesses, the budget eliminates the corporate surtax, which was introduced as a temporary deficit reduction tax on large corporations, and cuts the general corporate income tax rate to 19 per cent from 21 per cent, which Goodale says will allow Canada to maintain its tax advantage over the U.S.
Businesses, while applauding the tax relief, were quick to criticize the slow five-year pace at which the relief will be dished out.
'It?s too little, too slow,' said Jayson Myers, economist with the Manufacturers and Exporters Canada, who said that, despite Goodale?s claim, Canadian companies are at a 25-per cent tax disadvantage with their American competitors.
'The tax cuts are ... a disappointment,' agreed, Nancy Hughes Anthony, head of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
She and other business leaders were also critical of what they warned is an excessive and unsustainable pace of spending increases.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation also complained that the 'personal income tax relief starts out measly' and that there will be too much spending, especially on the Kyoto 'sinkhole.'
But it applauded the continued pay down of the debt, which by the end of this fiscal year will have fallen below the"
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Yahoo! News - Government Paying Ever More Health Costs -Report
Rising health costs is an international challenge - U.S health consumes 50%
of national budget -wow. QJ
Yahoo! News - Government Paying Ever More Health Costs -Report
of national budget -wow. QJ
Yahoo! News - Government Paying Ever More Health Costs -Report
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Cost to clean up sponsorship mess soars
Gosh Mr Dithers when is it going to end and when is the bleeding at the public trough going to stop- 70-80 million is a lot of money which could be spent for such unimportant priorities as health . However we agree that political accountability is important as well- PR
What do you think -tell us Mailto: respondfeedbacknow@yahoo.ca
click here for story News canada.com network or http://makeaccountable.blogspot.com
What do you think -tell us Mailto: respondfeedbacknow@yahoo.ca
click here for story News canada.com network or http://makeaccountable.blogspot.com
Prescription Drug Survival Guide
Medication errors cause at least one death every day and injure approximately 1.3 million people each year"
Prescription Drug Survival Guide
Prescription Drug Survival Guide
Saturday, February 19, 2005
What are Doctors not telling you-ladies?
"WOMEN?S HEALTH ALERT!
You?re NOT Getting The Whole Story On Hysterectomies...
6 out of 10 doctors fail to tell women they have less invasive alternatives?according to a new study. Are you being deliberately left in the dark?
When your doctor recommends a hysterectomy, are you sure you?re being offered every surgical option? The answer may be an alarming 'no'?according to a recent study.
Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed every year in the United States. It?s second only to Caesarean deliveries as the most frequently performed major abdominal surgery for women. And a recent survey of gynecologists revealed that at least 6 out 10 doctors failed to inform their patients that they could undergo a less invasive form of hysterectomy that would NOT involve the removal of the cervix.
This could be an important factor in preserving a woman?s urinary, bowel and sexual activity?functions often damaged by a total hysterectomy. This lesser surgery also has a faster recovery time and involves a shorter stay in the hospital. For the full, eye-opening story, see page 324.
Don?t you deserve to know about all your healing choices? Of course, you do. That?s why we urge you to send for your FREE-Preview copy "
You?re NOT Getting The Whole Story On Hysterectomies...
6 out of 10 doctors fail to tell women they have less invasive alternatives?according to a new study. Are you being deliberately left in the dark?
When your doctor recommends a hysterectomy, are you sure you?re being offered every surgical option? The answer may be an alarming 'no'?according to a recent study.
Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed every year in the United States. It?s second only to Caesarean deliveries as the most frequently performed major abdominal surgery for women. And a recent survey of gynecologists revealed that at least 6 out 10 doctors failed to inform their patients that they could undergo a less invasive form of hysterectomy that would NOT involve the removal of the cervix.
This could be an important factor in preserving a woman?s urinary, bowel and sexual activity?functions often damaged by a total hysterectomy. This lesser surgery also has a faster recovery time and involves a shorter stay in the hospital. For the full, eye-opening story, see page 324.
Don?t you deserve to know about all your healing choices? Of course, you do. That?s why we urge you to send for your FREE-Preview copy "
Friday, February 18, 2005
Wall street journal view of lack of Canadian Health Care delivery
TheStar.com - $25,000 gets you a hip with a trip
TheStar.com - $25,000 gets you a hip with a trip: "All-inclusive operation for a hefty fee
There are alternatives - lets start using them to break the Q- Q-jumpers
PRITHI YELAJA
STAFF REPORTER
Need hip surgery?
For a 'package price' of $25,000 (U.S.) a private medical referral service setting up shop in Toronto can get you the operation and will also throw in the cost of a hotel stay and meals for a companion.
The hefty price includes fees for a surgeon, anesthetist and nursing care at a hospital near the U.S. border.
The Vancouver-based company, which provides referrals to the U.S. for patients needing everything from surgery to diagnostic tests, is also expanding into Quebec.
Business is booming because of lengthy wait lists, especially for joint replacement surgery, which makes up 90 per cent of their business, said Rick Baker, president of Timely Medical Alternatives Inc., which has been in operation for a year. The rising Canadian dollar is also boosting his bottom line, he added.'Some of the stories would make your hair curl. These are horror stories of people facing interminable waits,' Baker said. 'Finally, in desperation, they get in touch with us and 17 days later they have a new hip.'
The average wait to receive treatment after seeing an orthopedic surgeon ranges from 53.4 weeks in Saskatchewan to 10.7 weeks in New Brunswick. In Ontario, the median wait is 21 weeks.
Health policy experts say going south of the border for care is not new, as Ontarians already have that option. What's new is the middleman making a profit on the idea, said Dr. Philip Berger of the Medical Reform Group, which advocates for a publicly funded universal health system.
However, who pays if the patient has a complication, asked Berger. "
There are alternatives - lets start using them to break the Q- Q-jumpers
PRITHI YELAJA
STAFF REPORTER
Need hip surgery?
For a 'package price' of $25,000 (U.S.) a private medical referral service setting up shop in Toronto can get you the operation and will also throw in the cost of a hotel stay and meals for a companion.
The hefty price includes fees for a surgeon, anesthetist and nursing care at a hospital near the U.S. border.
The Vancouver-based company, which provides referrals to the U.S. for patients needing everything from surgery to diagnostic tests, is also expanding into Quebec.
Business is booming because of lengthy wait lists, especially for joint replacement surgery, which makes up 90 per cent of their business, said Rick Baker, president of Timely Medical Alternatives Inc., which has been in operation for a year. The rising Canadian dollar is also boosting his bottom line, he added.'Some of the stories would make your hair curl. These are horror stories of people facing interminable waits,' Baker said. 'Finally, in desperation, they get in touch with us and 17 days later they have a new hip.'
The average wait to receive treatment after seeing an orthopedic surgeon ranges from 53.4 weeks in Saskatchewan to 10.7 weeks in New Brunswick. In Ontario, the median wait is 21 weeks.
Health policy experts say going south of the border for care is not new, as Ontarians already have that option. What's new is the middleman making a profit on the idea, said Dr. Philip Berger of the Medical Reform Group, which advocates for a publicly funded universal health system.
However, who pays if the patient has a complication, asked Berger. "
Timely Medical Alternatives Inc.
There are alternatives to waiting in line or que Q already. These service organizations should be encouraged- Q-jumpers
Timely Medical Alternatives Inc.
Timely Medical Alternatives Inc.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Drug company should provide free service?
Drug company should provide free service? Why is it that it is okay for the private sector to provide things for free and not the government which is paid to do so through our taxes! Where is the logic?- Q-jumpers
Hamilton: "Drug companies treating Fabry patients unfairly: Ont. health minister
Greg Bonnell
Canadian Press
Thursday, February 17, 2005"
Hamilton: "Drug companies treating Fabry patients unfairly: Ont. health minister
Greg Bonnell
Canadian Press
Thursday, February 17, 2005"
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Cut the bureaucrats
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Cut the bureaucrats: "Tue, February 15, 2005
Cut the bureaucrats
Fewer students but school taxes soar
By TOM BRODBECK
There are a few things we should consider as school divisions plan to sock us with another round of property-tax hikes. One is student enrolment, which continues to fall.
And the other is school division spending -- up 34% during the past 10 years (well above inflation).
We should consider those two things because almost every year for the past 35 years, school divisions have taught fewer students, yet they charge taxpayers more.
It doesn't make sense.
If school divisions have fewer students to teach, why would their costs keep going up so much?
In the early 1970s, student enrolment in Manitoba peaked at about 247,000, due largely to the baby-boom generation.
By the early 1980s, it plummeted to 200,000.
It declined again in the early 1990s -- although not as sharply -- to about 195,000, where it remained steady for several years.
But by 1999, it started to fall again and has been slipping almost every year since, falling to about 188,000 in 2003.
Despite that, school division spending has been rising sharply.
It's up 21% during the past five years. That's about 4% a year, nearly double the rate of inflation.
Yet, school trustees tell us every year how they've cut spending to the bone.
Somehow, we're not getting the whole story.
There are some explanations for the increased spending. Schools, over the years, have had to pay for things such as computer labs and other technology. And there are programs, such as those for special-needs students, which never existed before.
But that only explains a fraction of it.
It"
Cut the bureaucrats
Fewer students but school taxes soar
By TOM BRODBECK
There are a few things we should consider as school divisions plan to sock us with another round of property-tax hikes. One is student enrolment, which continues to fall.
And the other is school division spending -- up 34% during the past 10 years (well above inflation).
We should consider those two things because almost every year for the past 35 years, school divisions have taught fewer students, yet they charge taxpayers more.
It doesn't make sense.
If school divisions have fewer students to teach, why would their costs keep going up so much?
In the early 1970s, student enrolment in Manitoba peaked at about 247,000, due largely to the baby-boom generation.
By the early 1980s, it plummeted to 200,000.
It declined again in the early 1990s -- although not as sharply -- to about 195,000, where it remained steady for several years.
But by 1999, it started to fall again and has been slipping almost every year since, falling to about 188,000 in 2003.
Despite that, school division spending has been rising sharply.
It's up 21% during the past five years. That's about 4% a year, nearly double the rate of inflation.
Yet, school trustees tell us every year how they've cut spending to the bone.
Somehow, we're not getting the whole story.
There are some explanations for the increased spending. Schools, over the years, have had to pay for things such as computer labs and other technology. And there are programs, such as those for special-needs students, which never existed before.
But that only explains a fraction of it.
It"
Competing Hospitals and Providers Work Miracles
FCPP Publications :: Competing Hospitals and Providers Work Miracles
This is a useful review of what other jurisdictions have done to improve their health system delivery system. We could do the same. Why not test alternatives to see if they can work in Canada? We have nothing to hide and everything to gain.
This is a useful review of what other jurisdictions have done to improve their health system delivery system. We could do the same. Why not test alternatives to see if they can work in Canada? We have nothing to hide and everything to gain.
Times England -Labour will give people control over more of their lives
In England the debate is about customer choice - hopefully the message will arrive in Canada soon. -Q-jumpers
But he said: “The true test of politics is whether you make the changes that endure. As we move towards the next election, the nation will need to decide: does Britain keep moving fowards or does it go back?”
Mr Milburn said that the Government, having increased resources for health and education, should now seek a “new public service settlement in which choice for users and diversity of providers becomes the modern means of redistributing opportunities in our society.
href="www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/o,,1-2-1456608,00.html"">
But he said: “The true test of politics is whether you make the changes that endure. As we move towards the next election, the nation will need to decide: does Britain keep moving fowards or does it go back?”
Mr Milburn said that the Government, having increased resources for health and education, should now seek a “new public service settlement in which choice for users and diversity of providers becomes the modern means of redistributing opportunities in our society.
href="www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/o,,1-2-1456608,00.html"">
$340 million given by fed s to upgrade medical equipment
A good start in providing better service
Hamilton: "equipment
Canadian Press
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
TORONTO -- Hospitals and long-term care homes across Ontario will get $340 million to upgrade their medical equipment, Health Minister George Smitherman announced Tuesday.
'We are modernizing our diagnostic and medical equipment to improve the care patients are receiving, and also to reduce the time they have to wait to receive that care,' he said in a release.
'You can't deliver comprehensive, quality health care without state-of-the-art equipment.'
Smitherman said the funding would include:
$60 million for 11,000 mechanical patient lifts;
$181.5 million for hospitals to buy X-ray and ultrasound machines and dialysis equipment;
$12.8 million for laboratory equipment such as coagulation and chemistry analyzers;
$33.5 million to hospitals for equipment related to major redevelopment projects;
$38.8 million to long-term care homes for equipment to increase the safety and comfort of residents, such as specialized mattresses, whirlpool baths, wound therapy and fall-prevention equipment.
There is also new funding for pediatrics and joint replacement scanners in what Smitherman said was the single largest investment in diagnostic and medical equipment ever in Canada.
'This is a very substantial and welcome investment in Ontario's hospitals,' Ontario Hospital Association president and CEO Hilary Short said in the release.
The $340 million was the second and third instalment from a federal diagnostic and medical equipment fund. Ontario will receive a final instalment of $193 .
Hamilton: "equipment
Canadian Press
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
TORONTO -- Hospitals and long-term care homes across Ontario will get $340 million to upgrade their medical equipment, Health Minister George Smitherman announced Tuesday.
'We are modernizing our diagnostic and medical equipment to improve the care patients are receiving, and also to reduce the time they have to wait to receive that care,' he said in a release.
'You can't deliver comprehensive, quality health care without state-of-the-art equipment.'
Smitherman said the funding would include:
$60 million for 11,000 mechanical patient lifts;
$181.5 million for hospitals to buy X-ray and ultrasound machines and dialysis equipment;
$12.8 million for laboratory equipment such as coagulation and chemistry analyzers;
$33.5 million to hospitals for equipment related to major redevelopment projects;
$38.8 million to long-term care homes for equipment to increase the safety and comfort of residents, such as specialized mattresses, whirlpool baths, wound therapy and fall-prevention equipment.
There is also new funding for pediatrics and joint replacement scanners in what Smitherman said was the single largest investment in diagnostic and medical equipment ever in Canada.
'This is a very substantial and welcome investment in Ontario's hospitals,' Ontario Hospital Association president and CEO Hilary Short said in the release.
The $340 million was the second and third instalment from a federal diagnostic and medical equipment fund. Ontario will receive a final instalment of $193 .
Monday, February 14, 2005
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Private surgeries booming
Why should people have too wait for needed services? Good for them in finding a results oriented alternative. There are a 1000 less people waiting in line for service. We need more service ,not less service and the Montreal clinic and doctor is providing it. We need more of these options to break the dismal service Que. Q-jumpers
Mon, February 14, 2005
Private surgeries booming
By CP
MONTREAL -- Nearly 1,000 people from across Canada have paid up to $12,000 out of pocket recently for hip and knee surgery at a private orthopedic hospital in the city, the Montreal Gazette reported yesterday. Fed up with having to wait as long as a year in the public system, patients have turned to the Duval Orthopedic Clinic in the city's north end, which boasts a 2 1/2 -week waiting list.
Dr. Nicolas Duval opted out of the public system in 2002 and bills patients directly for services normally covered under medicare, raising questions about the clinic's legality.
He maintains his practice is legal because the operating room and nearby convalescent home received their operating permits before the Canada Health Act was adopted in 1984.
FRUSTRATED
Frustrated with a lack of operating-room time at his east-end public hospital, Duval bought a nursing home in February 2003.
Duval performs more than 500 hip and knee replacements a year in a private cosmetic-surgery facility.
In addition to his orthopedic patients, Duval will admit patients recently released from public hospitals after surgery who want to spend more time in a supervised setting at a cost of $200 per night.
"That's the reality of the public system -- the hospitals are under pressure to discharge patients right away," Duval said.
The Gazette reported that Montreal has become the private health-care capital of Canada, offering a wide range of diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic services to patients willing to pay out of pocket.
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Private surgeries booming: "Mon, February 14, 2005
Mon, February 14, 2005
Private surgeries booming
By CP
MONTREAL -- Nearly 1,000 people from across Canada have paid up to $12,000 out of pocket recently for hip and knee surgery at a private orthopedic hospital in the city, the Montreal Gazette reported yesterday. Fed up with having to wait as long as a year in the public system, patients have turned to the Duval Orthopedic Clinic in the city's north end, which boasts a 2 1/2 -week waiting list.
Dr. Nicolas Duval opted out of the public system in 2002 and bills patients directly for services normally covered under medicare, raising questions about the clinic's legality.
He maintains his practice is legal because the operating room and nearby convalescent home received their operating permits before the Canada Health Act was adopted in 1984.
FRUSTRATED
Frustrated with a lack of operating-room time at his east-end public hospital, Duval bought a nursing home in February 2003.
Duval performs more than 500 hip and knee replacements a year in a private cosmetic-surgery facility.
In addition to his orthopedic patients, Duval will admit patients recently released from public hospitals after surgery who want to spend more time in a supervised setting at a cost of $200 per night.
"That's the reality of the public system -- the hospitals are under pressure to discharge patients right away," Duval said.
The Gazette reported that Montreal has become the private health-care capital of Canada, offering a wide range of diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic services to patients willing to pay out of pocket.
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Private surgeries booming: "Mon, February 14, 2005
And the service just gets better an better
Ontario physios fight delisting
Physiotherapists, patients warn delisting will cost more in the long run
"I make no bones about the fact that I believe it is wrong that we are put out of business without any discussion, without any consultation, and not even a `we're sorry.' "
The Liberal government announced in last year's provincial budget that it would delist coverage of eye exams, chiropractic treatments and physiotherapy and implement a new health-care premium on anyone earning over $20,000 annually, ranging from $60 to $900 a year.
Hamilton
Physiotherapists, patients warn delisting will cost more in the long run
"I make no bones about the fact that I believe it is wrong that we are put out of business without any discussion, without any consultation, and not even a `we're sorry.' "
The Liberal government announced in last year's provincial budget that it would delist coverage of eye exams, chiropractic treatments and physiotherapy and implement a new health-care premium on anyone earning over $20,000 annually, ranging from $60 to $900 a year.
Hamilton
Medicare Systems- The Canadian state of Health with an Ontario twist
The Ontario healthcare system is in extremely poor condition. Not only are costs skyrocketing, but the system is also failing patients. The treatment of patients is critically ill with unacceptable waiting times, that are often life threatening. To worsen this volatile situation, the government is compounding the problem by feuding with the medical practitioners and the front line caregivers. Real and needed resources are being laid off at an alarming rate, while the administrative costs of the system continue to escalate unabated.
The last two statements are keys to the puzzle. There are indications that the system has been bureaucratized, with internal patient delivery standards compromised and that a total collapse is imminent.
Healthcare is too critical a service to be allowed to collapse. The system needs major corrective surgery to survive. To date, the government appears to be "tinkering" with solutions that have little apparent positive impact to the patient or caregiver. What this means is more of same with a layoff here or there, large infusions of cash and absolutely no real improvement.
The bureaucrats are confused, the politicians are full of rhetoric and nobody seems to have an answer. Ontario Healthcare appears to be a huge rudderless ship, with a minimal, entrenched and challenged leadership, a huge bureaucracy, the 10,000 strong Ministry of Health, heading towards the shoals of oblivion. This is somewhat similar to what the Swedish public health system used to be, before it was radically reformed and competitively re-invented.
We do have options, however. There must be radical surgery for the business of providing healthcare systems. We can no longer afford to have unimaginative and ill-conceived tinkering. We need full blown, out of the box solutions for the system to avoid implosion and collapse.
Let us consider healthcare as a business for a moment. If a business is alienating and not delivering services to its customers, and its costs are soaring, there are really two solutions - let it die, which is not an option, or restructure and re-invent itself to deliver better service. What are the reality pill options?
We propose to expand the customer and revenue base to allow the system to breathe again. To date, expanding the system revenue base has meant that the government has to cough up more public “taxpayer” money. This solution means that the people have to pay and that the administrative bureaucracy expands to "take care of" the investment, particularly at the provincial level. The spending priorities are obviously misaligned.
Solutions and options
Our proposed solution involves a reduction in the bureaucracy. It also involves a reduction in government involvement. Heresy!! No, good common competitive sense! What would happen if healthcare became a profit centre instead of a cost centre, or an increasing sinkhole for public money? "Private Healthcare", screams the bureaucrat. No, it is just an opportunity to make money by providing service for non-Ontarians in the worldwide market place.
The United States has private healthcare systems. Canadians are making money by providing pharmaceuticals south of the border. American states are embracing this in order to benefit their residents. Can we take advantage of the value of the Canadian dollar; keep our medical resources in Canada by providing medical services to these same people? Obviously, the state governments are sympathetic. The HMO's will cooperate if the price is favorable. It appears that the patient is the key customer and that the interests of the customer are king in other health jurisdictions. That is where we come in.
Our group is interested in setting up a pilot system in Ontario to provide an expanded and competitive revenue base for the healthcare system. The suggested steps in the process are as follows:
· Create a crown corporation or other corporations with special provisions
· Form the corporation(s) under the business corporation act
· Eliminate the involvement of political appointees and bureaucrats
· Create a Board of Directors of real business people as in a private corporation
· Structure the administrative systems to be sleek, economical and accountable
· Develop a business plan to provide the services across international borders. This phase will emphasize market research and marketing plans.
· When the plan is complete, the corporation(s) will seek private funding just like any other business.
When the “ Competitive Delivery” system and framework has been created, what could happen next? The system will begin by competitively selling to American and worldwide customers who need quality healthcare. This system can and will make a profit and be self-sustaining. Some of the profit can be used to subsidize the general provisions of healthcare for Ontarians. The Ontario systems should have the same degrees of freedom as the private portion of the system. In fact, the private system would probably be a good overseer or "lead by example"foil for the public system. It would also increase the overall competitive health delivery standards in Ontario.
The Government's role would be a simple one, provide their share of the funding to provide high service levels for Ontarians. The Funding would go to those that provide the best service for the best value given to the end customers.
Once the pilot system is running properly, the system could be rolled out to the rest of the province. Our ad hoc team believes that the system would provide the following benefits:
· A new revenue base and private subsidy sources for the care of all Ontarians
· Less requirement for tax increases (The MGuinty pledge revisited. )
· Less requirement for bureaucrats
· More employment for caregivers
· Less contention or confrontation with the doctors
· Private capitalization for equipment
· A superior world class health care system for Ontarians
· A competitive overflow systems for Ontarians
The system, we are proposing, is radical but most certainly doable. It has successfully been done before in other jurisdictions. (The Swedish Model is a good example.)
Form and mobilize a bi partisan team to solve the problem
Health is everyones challenge
Our team has extensive business experience. We can restructure the administration systems in the pilot test. We have access to retired knowledgeable medical practitioners to assist in setting up the medical systems. Finally, we have marketing specialists who can work with our American and worldwide affiliates to provide an initial customer base. We are a inter-active virtual system -a coalition of small companies and business individuals with a mighty, united, presence.
We stand ready to advise the "government" in setting up a "real not talk" innovative pilot system that could break the existing health care gridlock and do so constructively in a timely and appropriate manner.. Let make it happen -your comments are welcome.
The Ad hoc team - the grass roots common sense sanity initiative
The last two statements are keys to the puzzle. There are indications that the system has been bureaucratized, with internal patient delivery standards compromised and that a total collapse is imminent.
Healthcare is too critical a service to be allowed to collapse. The system needs major corrective surgery to survive. To date, the government appears to be "tinkering" with solutions that have little apparent positive impact to the patient or caregiver. What this means is more of same with a layoff here or there, large infusions of cash and absolutely no real improvement.
The bureaucrats are confused, the politicians are full of rhetoric and nobody seems to have an answer. Ontario Healthcare appears to be a huge rudderless ship, with a minimal, entrenched and challenged leadership, a huge bureaucracy, the 10,000 strong Ministry of Health, heading towards the shoals of oblivion. This is somewhat similar to what the Swedish public health system used to be, before it was radically reformed and competitively re-invented.
We do have options, however. There must be radical surgery for the business of providing healthcare systems. We can no longer afford to have unimaginative and ill-conceived tinkering. We need full blown, out of the box solutions for the system to avoid implosion and collapse.
Let us consider healthcare as a business for a moment. If a business is alienating and not delivering services to its customers, and its costs are soaring, there are really two solutions - let it die, which is not an option, or restructure and re-invent itself to deliver better service. What are the reality pill options?
We propose to expand the customer and revenue base to allow the system to breathe again. To date, expanding the system revenue base has meant that the government has to cough up more public “taxpayer” money. This solution means that the people have to pay and that the administrative bureaucracy expands to "take care of" the investment, particularly at the provincial level. The spending priorities are obviously misaligned.
Solutions and options
Our proposed solution involves a reduction in the bureaucracy. It also involves a reduction in government involvement. Heresy!! No, good common competitive sense! What would happen if healthcare became a profit centre instead of a cost centre, or an increasing sinkhole for public money? "Private Healthcare", screams the bureaucrat. No, it is just an opportunity to make money by providing service for non-Ontarians in the worldwide market place.
The United States has private healthcare systems. Canadians are making money by providing pharmaceuticals south of the border. American states are embracing this in order to benefit their residents. Can we take advantage of the value of the Canadian dollar; keep our medical resources in Canada by providing medical services to these same people? Obviously, the state governments are sympathetic. The HMO's will cooperate if the price is favorable. It appears that the patient is the key customer and that the interests of the customer are king in other health jurisdictions. That is where we come in.
Our group is interested in setting up a pilot system in Ontario to provide an expanded and competitive revenue base for the healthcare system. The suggested steps in the process are as follows:
· Create a crown corporation or other corporations with special provisions
· Form the corporation(s) under the business corporation act
· Eliminate the involvement of political appointees and bureaucrats
· Create a Board of Directors of real business people as in a private corporation
· Structure the administrative systems to be sleek, economical and accountable
· Develop a business plan to provide the services across international borders. This phase will emphasize market research and marketing plans.
· When the plan is complete, the corporation(s) will seek private funding just like any other business.
When the “ Competitive Delivery” system and framework has been created, what could happen next? The system will begin by competitively selling to American and worldwide customers who need quality healthcare. This system can and will make a profit and be self-sustaining. Some of the profit can be used to subsidize the general provisions of healthcare for Ontarians. The Ontario systems should have the same degrees of freedom as the private portion of the system. In fact, the private system would probably be a good overseer or "lead by example"foil for the public system. It would also increase the overall competitive health delivery standards in Ontario.
The Government's role would be a simple one, provide their share of the funding to provide high service levels for Ontarians. The Funding would go to those that provide the best service for the best value given to the end customers.
Once the pilot system is running properly, the system could be rolled out to the rest of the province. Our ad hoc team believes that the system would provide the following benefits:
· A new revenue base and private subsidy sources for the care of all Ontarians
· Less requirement for tax increases (The MGuinty pledge revisited. )
· Less requirement for bureaucrats
· More employment for caregivers
· Less contention or confrontation with the doctors
· Private capitalization for equipment
· A superior world class health care system for Ontarians
· A competitive overflow systems for Ontarians
The system, we are proposing, is radical but most certainly doable. It has successfully been done before in other jurisdictions. (The Swedish Model is a good example.)
Form and mobilize a bi partisan team to solve the problem
Health is everyones challenge
Our team has extensive business experience. We can restructure the administration systems in the pilot test. We have access to retired knowledgeable medical practitioners to assist in setting up the medical systems. Finally, we have marketing specialists who can work with our American and worldwide affiliates to provide an initial customer base. We are a inter-active virtual system -a coalition of small companies and business individuals with a mighty, united, presence.
We stand ready to advise the "government" in setting up a "real not talk" innovative pilot system that could break the existing health care gridlock and do so constructively in a timely and appropriate manner.. Let make it happen -your comments are welcome.
The Ad hoc team - the grass roots common sense sanity initiative
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Send a meaningful Valentine to those that need it
ProActive Rants: "Send a meaningful Valentine
'http://www.pickup.msn.americangreetings.com/msn/p/947/375466947-2951.html reference
(copy and paste into your browser)
Over 300,000 people have died in the wave . We can help alleviate some of the damage.
We have a business relationship with Durakit which can provide emergency housing. Be part of the direct help solution. One 40 foot shipping container contains 32 houses , a house costs $1500 and can be up in 1 day. (2 hours to assemble)
See http://www.durakit.com/profile.htm- or the actual unit view http://www.durakit.com/Disaster_relief.htm There is a federal non profit that would give tax receipts.
Durakit has a request for 37,000 house from the Minister of Finance in Sri Lanka-but needs to get funded. Give this some thought-how we can provided direct help to the wave victims.
1. Let each school commit to a house - we will give them a plaque and recognition
2. Let each church commit to a house - we will give them the same
3. Let each local organization commit to a house -same recognition
4. let your 'suggested organization ' commit-your help and thoughts are appreciated
Your comments please- this is a case where it is better to give then to receive. These people need help. If you need more information -contact us YourResponsor@hotmail.com or "respondfeedbacknow@yahoo.ca.
Warm regards Sieg'
'http://www.pickup.msn.americangreetings.com/msn/p/947/375466947-2951.html reference
(copy and paste into your browser)
Over 300,000 people have died in the wave . We can help alleviate some of the damage.
We have a business relationship with Durakit which can provide emergency housing. Be part of the direct help solution. One 40 foot shipping container contains 32 houses , a house costs $1500 and can be up in 1 day. (2 hours to assemble)
See http://www.durakit.com/profile.htm- or the actual unit view http://www.durakit.com/Disaster_relief.htm There is a federal non profit that would give tax receipts.
Durakit has a request for 37,000 house from the Minister of Finance in Sri Lanka-but needs to get funded. Give this some thought-how we can provided direct help to the wave victims.
1. Let each school commit to a house - we will give them a plaque and recognition
2. Let each church commit to a house - we will give them the same
3. Let each local organization commit to a house -same recognition
4. let your 'suggested organization ' commit-your help and thoughts are appreciated
Your comments please- this is a case where it is better to give then to receive. These people need help. If you need more information -contact us YourResponsor@hotmail.com or "respondfeedbacknow@yahoo.ca.
Warm regards Sieg'
McGuinty a disappointing leader who fails to deliver his promises
ProActive Rants: "Sunday, February 13, 2005
McGuinty Negotiation tactics -the Hamilton Rant
Our fearless provincial leader is making more noise to improve services by getting more money form the FEDs rather then revamping or allowing the health service to be more effective. Again deflecting attention from his dismal performance record to date.
What a disappointment. What a change from his promise to reach consensus before he was elected. What other promise can he possibly breach in the next 3 years ? Please call an election and see what your constituents think. Enough is enough.
Reader feed back : This is a 'F' outrage. Ontario is no longer the economic engine that drives the Canadian economy.If this asshole didn't f----- up everything he touched, we wouldn't have a fiscal problem
Hamilton: 'McGuinty drags Que. into war with feds
Wants Ottawa to review equalization payment program"
McGuinty Negotiation tactics -the Hamilton Rant
Our fearless provincial leader is making more noise to improve services by getting more money form the FEDs rather then revamping or allowing the health service to be more effective. Again deflecting attention from his dismal performance record to date.
What a disappointment. What a change from his promise to reach consensus before he was elected. What other promise can he possibly breach in the next 3 years ? Please call an election and see what your constituents think. Enough is enough.
Reader feed back : This is a 'F' outrage. Ontario is no longer the economic engine that drives the Canadian economy.If this asshole didn't f----- up everything he touched, we wouldn't have a fiscal problem
Hamilton: 'McGuinty drags Que. into war with feds
Wants Ottawa to review equalization payment program"
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Can you believe this guy?
And these people are in charge -wow .
null: "Sat, February 12, 2005
Can you believe this guy?
If you want to know Paul Martin's real attitude toward the Gomery inquiry -- which he set up ostensibly to get to the bottom of the sponsorship scandal -- forget about his respectful demeanour on the witness stand Thursday.
That was just media theatre -- a well-scripted counter-performance to stand out in contrast to Jean Chretien's equally well-scripted over-the-top tour de force Tuesday.
No, ask yourself what he was doing leading the cheers and a standing ovation for Chretien, his supposed longtime nemesis, inside the Liberal caucus room the day before.
This after Chretien had thumbed his nose at the inquiry and displayed his contempt for the entire process!
Since Chretien's antics were perceived as a direct slam at Martin, why was Martin praising them in caucus -- telling MPs his predecessor had done a great job and made Liberals proud?
What does that say about Martin's oft-declared support for the inquiry? Why did he praise Chretien for publicly ridiculing it?
Was the inquiry just Martin's way of getting rid of the sponsorship scandal prior to the last election? Now that it's served its political purpose, is he now showing his true regard for the process -- and his true colours?
Martin's bizarre performance inside the Liberal caucus room, widely reported in the media, shows how committed he is to 'getting to the bottom' of the sponsorship fiasco.
And given all the high-"
null: "Sat, February 12, 2005
Can you believe this guy?
If you want to know Paul Martin's real attitude toward the Gomery inquiry -- which he set up ostensibly to get to the bottom of the sponsorship scandal -- forget about his respectful demeanour on the witness stand Thursday.
That was just media theatre -- a well-scripted counter-performance to stand out in contrast to Jean Chretien's equally well-scripted over-the-top tour de force Tuesday.
No, ask yourself what he was doing leading the cheers and a standing ovation for Chretien, his supposed longtime nemesis, inside the Liberal caucus room the day before.
This after Chretien had thumbed his nose at the inquiry and displayed his contempt for the entire process!
Since Chretien's antics were perceived as a direct slam at Martin, why was Martin praising them in caucus -- telling MPs his predecessor had done a great job and made Liberals proud?
What does that say about Martin's oft-declared support for the inquiry? Why did he praise Chretien for publicly ridiculing it?
Was the inquiry just Martin's way of getting rid of the sponsorship scandal prior to the last election? Now that it's served its political purpose, is he now showing his true regard for the process -- and his true colours?
Martin's bizarre performance inside the Liberal caucus room, widely reported in the media, shows how committed he is to 'getting to the bottom' of the sponsorship fiasco.
And given all the high-"
Thursday, February 10, 2005
ProActive Rants Waiting list grows for surgery
ProActive Rants: "Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Not hip to problem
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Not hip to problem: 'Sat, February 5, 2005
Quality of health is an issue everywhere in Canada - lets do another study but lets not fix the problem. Same old -same old
Not hip to problem
Demand for orthopedic surgery, wait times rise
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
The Doer government has failed to make good on a promise to slash the wait list for hip and knee replacement surgeries, charge the Opposition Tories. Six months ago, Manitobans were waiting up to two years for surgery, said Tory Leader Stuart Murray. Today, there are people waiting up to three years to go under the knife, he said.
'This wait, this suffering, is not acceptable,' Murray told a news conference.
The number of people waiting in line for surgery has increased to 2,300 from 1,488 last spring, according to figures provided by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
The median wait time is 40 weeks.
DOUBLE KNEE REPLACEMENT
Winnipegger Bob Harris, 67, said he's been told he'll have to wait two years for orthopedic surgery.
He needs double knee replacement surgery.
'Why we have to wait two to three years is beyond me,' said Harris, who has difficulty walking up and down stairs and even driving his car because of his shot knees. 'If something isn't broken, don't fix it -- but this one is broken.'
Health Minister Tim Sale was not available for comment.
AGING POPULATION
Brian Postl, CEO of the WRHA, acknowledged demand for orthopedic surgery has been going up -- primarily because of the province's aging population.
'That's not unique to Manitoba,' Postl said. 'We still have favourable rates compared to other jurisdictions in the country.'
"
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Not hip to problem: 'Sat, February 5, 2005
Quality of health is an issue everywhere in Canada - lets do another study but lets not fix the problem. Same old -same old
Not hip to problem
Demand for orthopedic surgery, wait times rise
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
The Doer government has failed to make good on a promise to slash the wait list for hip and knee replacement surgeries, charge the Opposition Tories. Six months ago, Manitobans were waiting up to two years for surgery, said Tory Leader Stuart Murray. Today, there are people waiting up to three years to go under the knife, he said.
'This wait, this suffering, is not acceptable,' Murray told a news conference.
The number of people waiting in line for surgery has increased to 2,300 from 1,488 last spring, according to figures provided by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
The median wait time is 40 weeks.
DOUBLE KNEE REPLACEMENT
Winnipegger Bob Harris, 67, said he's been told he'll have to wait two years for orthopedic surgery.
He needs double knee replacement surgery.
'Why we have to wait two to three years is beyond me,' said Harris, who has difficulty walking up and down stairs and even driving his car because of his shot knees. 'If something isn't broken, don't fix it -- but this one is broken.'
Health Minister Tim Sale was not available for comment.
AGING POPULATION
Brian Postl, CEO of the WRHA, acknowledged demand for orthopedic surgery has been going up -- primarily because of the province's aging population.
'That's not unique to Manitoba,' Postl said. 'We still have favourable rates compared to other jurisdictions in the country.'
"
News | canada.com network
News | canada.com network: "NEWS STORY
Name:Stephen Parker
Occupation:
Location:
Is the Government stunned!!! Here we are reducing health care to law abiding citizens, causing extreme delays in medical care and we are going to worry about giving drug addicts FREE DRUGS!!! My parents who have payed taxes all their lives now have to struggle to first purchase their medication then process paperwork to recieve monies back. Another mis-direction of funds that should be put in place to increase the quality of life of the our elderly and those in true need of standard medical attention.
Back to Free-heroin study approved for Vancouver"
Name:Stephen Parker
Occupation:
Location:
Is the Government stunned!!! Here we are reducing health care to law abiding citizens, causing extreme delays in medical care and we are going to worry about giving drug addicts FREE DRUGS!!! My parents who have payed taxes all their lives now have to struggle to first purchase their medication then process paperwork to recieve monies back. Another mis-direction of funds that should be put in place to increase the quality of life of the our elderly and those in true need of standard medical attention.
Back to Free-heroin study approved for Vancouver"
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Free-heroin study approved for Vancouver
Amy Carmichael of the National Post reports that the Government is now in the drug pushing business offering free cocaine to the needy in Vancouver. What do you think of this as a priority after you read the story. There has to be a lesson here somewhere? Home - if a normal Canadian citizen or "non profiled-non exempt private business did this they would be breaking the law and go to jail.
It is good that we have our public health spending priorities so well established . What do you think- is this a good spending priority??
VANCOUVER (CP) - A program that will hand out free heroin in a bid to stop junkies throwing themselves at the mercy of the streets, desperately selling their bodies or stealing for drugs, will begin recruiting addicts on Thursday.
Under a clinical trial just approved by Health Canada, 158 Vancouver addicts will be given prescriptions for free, pharmaceutical-grade heroin for 12-15 months. Officials are hoping that freed from their daily pursuit of money to buy their next fix, users will find time to make positive changes in their lives.
A second site is being readied for the North American Opiate Medication Initiative in Montreal, expected to open in April, and the project will begin in Toronto shortly after that, said Jim Boothroyd, a spokesman for the initiative in Vancouver, known as NAOMI.
On Wednesday, NAOMI volunteers will paper Vancouver's Downtown Eastside with posters asking for recruits for the study. The area is crawling with pushers and pimps.
More than 4,000 drug addicts live in the slum near NAOMI's clinic.
"We will begin enrolling people Thursday," said Boothroyd. "They have to have been addicted to heroin for at least five years. Once we have a random sample, there will be about a month's hiatus before we actually start prescribing."
That means the free drugs will be available by mid-March.
But that is too late for some addicts, including Jane, who died recently at the age of 45.
Mark Townsend, a spokesman for the Portland Hotel Society, which finds low-cost housing for people landlords don't want to deal with, highlighted Jane's plight as he said he hopes NAOMI can help other people he works with.
"It would have made (Jane's) life better. She was put out on the street at 13 by parents who sexually abused her. At 45 she was a prostitute so she could buy heroin," he said.
"That was the only thing that helped her survive the days down here and live with all her painful memories.
"She had violent boyfriends and I mean gigantically violent. Being a prostitute was a means of basic survival. It wasn't a sophisticated operation, she was desperate and her body was all she had to sell."
At the very least, NAOMI would have given her a bit of respect, Townsend said.
Police are on board with the project, hoping it will bring a drop in petty crime which is rampant in Vancouver. The rate of car break-ins is among the highest in North America.
Similar programs in Switzerland were able to show a drop in theft. They were quickly developed into pilot and then permanent programs, said Anne Livingston, director of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users.
"We've had the privilege of meeting the people who run these heroin prescription programs and spend quite a bit of time asking them questions," she said.
"There is already so much evidence out there supporting this kind of treatment. I will be really disappointed if we don't put it into action in this community on a permanent basis as soon as possible. And then we should look at prescribing cocaine. It's more of a problem in communities across this country than heroin."
The NAOMI project has scientific approval - and $6.4 million - from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, a government agency, and the support of the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto and the University of Montreal.
Very little heroin will be at the Vancouver site, and stringent security measures will be taken.
Part of the project is to attract users to a clinical setting where they can get other help to kick their habits and stabilize their lives.
© The Canadian Press 2005
It is good that we have our public health spending priorities so well established . What do you think- is this a good spending priority??
VANCOUVER (CP) - A program that will hand out free heroin in a bid to stop junkies throwing themselves at the mercy of the streets, desperately selling their bodies or stealing for drugs, will begin recruiting addicts on Thursday.
Under a clinical trial just approved by Health Canada, 158 Vancouver addicts will be given prescriptions for free, pharmaceutical-grade heroin for 12-15 months. Officials are hoping that freed from their daily pursuit of money to buy their next fix, users will find time to make positive changes in their lives.
A second site is being readied for the North American Opiate Medication Initiative in Montreal, expected to open in April, and the project will begin in Toronto shortly after that, said Jim Boothroyd, a spokesman for the initiative in Vancouver, known as NAOMI.
On Wednesday, NAOMI volunteers will paper Vancouver's Downtown Eastside with posters asking for recruits for the study. The area is crawling with pushers and pimps.
More than 4,000 drug addicts live in the slum near NAOMI's clinic.
"We will begin enrolling people Thursday," said Boothroyd. "They have to have been addicted to heroin for at least five years. Once we have a random sample, there will be about a month's hiatus before we actually start prescribing."
That means the free drugs will be available by mid-March.
But that is too late for some addicts, including Jane, who died recently at the age of 45.
Mark Townsend, a spokesman for the Portland Hotel Society, which finds low-cost housing for people landlords don't want to deal with, highlighted Jane's plight as he said he hopes NAOMI can help other people he works with.
"It would have made (Jane's) life better. She was put out on the street at 13 by parents who sexually abused her. At 45 she was a prostitute so she could buy heroin," he said.
"That was the only thing that helped her survive the days down here and live with all her painful memories.
"She had violent boyfriends and I mean gigantically violent. Being a prostitute was a means of basic survival. It wasn't a sophisticated operation, she was desperate and her body was all she had to sell."
At the very least, NAOMI would have given her a bit of respect, Townsend said.
Police are on board with the project, hoping it will bring a drop in petty crime which is rampant in Vancouver. The rate of car break-ins is among the highest in North America.
Similar programs in Switzerland were able to show a drop in theft. They were quickly developed into pilot and then permanent programs, said Anne Livingston, director of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users.
"We've had the privilege of meeting the people who run these heroin prescription programs and spend quite a bit of time asking them questions," she said.
"There is already so much evidence out there supporting this kind of treatment. I will be really disappointed if we don't put it into action in this community on a permanent basis as soon as possible. And then we should look at prescribing cocaine. It's more of a problem in communities across this country than heroin."
The NAOMI project has scientific approval - and $6.4 million - from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, a government agency, and the support of the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto and the University of Montreal.
Very little heroin will be at the Vancouver site, and stringent security measures will be taken.
Part of the project is to attract users to a clinical setting where they can get other help to kick their habits and stabilize their lives.
© The Canadian Press 2005
How do we fix healthcare?
We seem to have a public system of Health that consumes more and more public resources and yet delivers fewer and fewer services . Why is it that we who pay for the " health service " have no right to demand better services for our dollars spent. Why are we treated like ignorant children who are not deemed competent enough to make our own decisions or allowed to spend our personal resources , our allocated tax dollars how we wish to spend them by those that are mis-spending the funds on our behalf?
Why does everything take so long -even when you follow the" politically- correct" procedure ? Let us permit some options and break the existing service monopoly . Competition through choice would enhance health services immediately. What are they -the ministry of health s at the provincial and federal level afraid of ? What is the real agenda?
We are open to your suggestions . Let the dialoque begin. respondfeedbacknow@yahoo.ca
Why does everything take so long -even when you follow the" politically- correct" procedure ? Let us permit some options and break the existing service monopoly . Competition through choice would enhance health services immediately. What are they -the ministry of health s at the provincial and federal level afraid of ? What is the real agenda?
We are open to your suggestions . Let the dialoque begin. respondfeedbacknow@yahoo.ca
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