Improving Health Care For All Ontarians

 
 

June 3, 2010 4:15 PM

McGuinty's Government Improving Quality And Accountability In Health Care

Ontario is putting patients first by improving the quality and accountability of the province's health care system through new legislation.

The Excellent Care for All Act was passed by the legislature today and upon Royal Assent will make health care providers and executives accountable for improving patient care. The legislation requires health care organizations, starting with hospitals, to:

  • Develop and make public annual quality improvement plans
  • Create quality committees to report to each board on quality related issues, including the public annual quality improvement plan
  • Link executive compensation to quality plan performance improvements
  • Implement patient and employee satisfaction surveys and a patient complaints process

The legislation also expands the mandate of the Ontario Health Quality Council to recommend evidence-based guidelines that health care providers should adopt. 

Today's announcement is part of the government's Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services while improving quality and accountability for patients.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • Just 20 years ago, 32 cents of every dollar spent on government programs were spent on health care. Today, it is 46 cents. In 12 years, it could be 70 cents if appropriate action is not taken.
  • The number of patients who receive radiation treatment within Ontario's target has increased by more than 40 per cent since 2007.
  • The legislation builds on the province's ongoing efforts to improve quality and patient safety in the health care system. For instance, in 2008, the government launched a patient safety indicator initiative that has helped improve hand hygiene compliance and reduce C. difficile rates in hospitals by 13 per cent.

CONTACTS

  • David Jensen
    Communications Branch
    416-314-6197
    media@nullmoh.gov.on.ca
  • For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline
    1-866-532-3161
    null(Toll-free in Ontario only)
  • Media Line
    Toll-free: 1-888-414-4774
    GTA: 416-314-6197
    media@nullmoh.gov.on.ca
  • Zita Astravas
    Minister's Office
    416-327-9728



Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
ontario.ca/health


 

"This has always been about putting patients first and ensuring they have a stronger voice in how the health care system is run. Quality and value go hand-in-hand and all Ontarians can count on getting the highest standard of evidence-based care."

 – Deb Matthews
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

 
 
 
 Print this page