HEALTH MINISTER REFUSES TO RESTORE FUNDING FOR PHYSICIAN SERVICES IN UPCOMING BUDGET

(Queen’s Park) – Today, Sylvia Jones MPP Dufferin-Caledon asked the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to restore funding for physician services in the upcoming budget.

“Last year the Minister and the Premier were sent a letter from a family doctor in Orangeville that outlined the negative impacts the government’s cuts to physician services would have on patients in her group practise,” Jones said.

“In the letter, the doctor warned that as a result of these cuts, the group practise is considering shutting down their blood lab. As of January 1st this has become reality,” Jones said.

“There were five labs in Dufferin County. Now there are only two,” Jones exclaimed. “The government’s actions are resulting in cuts to essential services that residents of Dufferin-Caledon and across the province rely upon.” Jones said.

“It has now become a common occurrence for line-ups to spill out onto the sidewalk at the remaining lab in Orangeville, forcing many patients to wait in the cold,” Jones said.

“Somehow the Minister doesn’t seem to realize the consequences of his actions and even admitted he is confused for the need to restore funding for physician services,” Jones said.

“The provincial budget will be released on February 25th, I ask the Minister to restore funding to physician services in the upcoming budget so patients in Dufferin-Caledon can receive lab services they need without having to stand in line outside in the middle of winter,” Jones said.

To read more about what Jones is doing in the Legislature please visit: www.sylviajonesmpp.ca.

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For more information, contact:
Christopher Dacunha
416-325-1898
sylvia.jonesla@pc.ola.org