Efficient Investments for Strong, Stable Care - Pre-budget submission | January 2019

We, Ontario’s doctors are calling on the government of Ontario to continue to prioritize health care, specifically for: • Increased Integration of mental health and addictions care across care settings and between Ministries/agencies • A provincial suicide prevention strategy that is embedded throughout our health and social systems; • Capacity building and realignment of funding for palliative ca. [...] In order to achieve effectiveness and find efficiencies in the health care system, we need to work with the government to collaborate on solutions. [...] We also know that Ontarians want the government to hear ideas from doctors, which is why the OMA is pleased to offer recommendations and opportunities that can address some of the biggest challenges in the health care system. [...] By 2041 the Ontario population of those aged 65 and up is projected to increase 92% – from 2.36 million to 4.56 million.6 According to Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians (CSPCP), palliative care supports efficient and appropriate use of health care resources and can result in approximately 30% reduction in spending7 through reduction in emergency room and intensive care unit visits and. [...] The OMA wants the government to look to the OMA leadership and collaborate on shared solutions to the growing problem of provider burnout.