MPP Rickford’s Statement on Local Physician Services

“Since forming government, we have been focused on improving access to health care programs and services for patient care closer to home. This includes making Kenora one of the first destinations for transitioning to an Ontario Health Team focused on developing and implementing streamlined access to community-based services.  We have significantly expanded community-based paramedicine programs to treat more people in their homes avoiding unnecessary visits to emergency rooms.  We have increased investments and access to pediatric care across Kenora-Rainy River, made significant enhancements to hospital facilities, including building dialysis services in Dryden, and legacy investments in flexible seniors housing with access to health service and program space and increased access to more long-term care beds in Kenora.

With respect to physician services, I have personally worked in lockstep with our local healthcare leadership to develop a model that is best for community members and can be leveraged as a tool to retain and recruit doctors to our community. Prior to my career(s) in politics I worked as a lawyer and consultant on developing physician service agreements.  I acknowledge that we are at a critical point in negotiations on a physician service agreement and continue to work with the physician service group leadership and Ministry of Health officials on the remaining elements of an agreement.  I continue to emphasize the uniqueness of health care delivery in Kenora and the catchment it serves.  I am hopeful for a resolution to the outstanding matter(s) in the not-too-distant future and move forward on other important opportunities to increase access to more locally-based health services in the very near future.”