May 10, 1997
(Health)

Provincial Health Care Forum

"This forum has provided a valuable learning experience for the Social Policy Committee," said Roger Grimes, chair of the forum. "We must continue to consult and work in partnership with the community as part of government's commitment to provide the best possible health care within the resources available, as we know that money is not the answer to all of our problems. The participants realize that there is limited funding available and that sound choices, with the input they have given us, must be a priority in allocating those limited resources."

In an attempt to identify areas of priority in the provincial health system, 40 people from all over the province gathered at the Littledale Conference Centre in St. John's over the weekend for the Provincial Health Care Forum. Roger Grimes, chair of the Social Policy Committee of Cabinet, chaired the meetings of front-line health care providers and consumer representatives which took place on Friday and Saturday. The facilitator of the sessions was Wayne Thistle, vice president of Memorial University.

There was general consensus among forum participants that we have a sound health system with many strengths such as dedicated and knowledgeable staff, good facilities and the growing development of community based services. They also agreed, and government concurs, there are stresses and problems in certain sectors and regions of the province that need to be addressed on a priority basis.

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health, said the forum has provided government with the advice of front-line health care providers, consumers and managers of the system. This advice complements input from the general public through the Strategic Social Plan consultation process. She stressed the value of partnerships and government working together with the community. "This was a genuine effort by people working together with government towards the common goal of delivering the best possible health services to the people of the province," said the minister. "It is a credit to the participants of this forum, who were responsible and productive with their input, putting aside personal agendas for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

The need for a better integrated health system was identified by participants. For instance, health is about more than illness and hospital based services. A broader understanding of the factors which impact our health such as education levels, employment, income and housing need to be better incorporated into the overall health system with greater emphasis on communities and community development. Establishing community based health centres with a team of health professionals was one suggestion put forward.

Some of the other issues discussed included doctor shortages in rural communities, emergency room doctor shortages, workload stress on front-line workers, waiting times for cardiac surgery and other health services, the pace of reform and the need for a more coordinated role of various health professionals.

Some of the short and long term solutions to pressing needs, as identified by the participants include increased emphasis on prevention and public education including more appropriate use of emergency departments. The establishment of an advisory council to report to government on an ongoing basis was suggested, as was a need for more evidence based decision making. In other words, if government plans to make further changes in health service delivery, they should know with some degree of certainty that improved service will be the outcome.

Better utilization of health care workers including nurse practitioners, allied health professionals and nursing assistants was seen as one priority area. The medical school and medical students need to work with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association and government to contribute to short and long-term improvements through more active, coordinated physician recruitment and retention initiatives. Many forum participants stressed a need to restore stability to the health system.

Ms. Aylward said this forum will serve to provide directions for some short-term solutions to pressing needs and a long-term plan to improve the overall health system in the province. "This forum was not intended to immediately address all the concerns in the health system," said the minister. "However, we have received constructive, valuable input which will address some of the immediate needs and we have been provided with options which could lead to viable long-term solutions to historic problems."

Forum chair Roger Grimes said the meetings produced candid, open discussion of key health issues and marked the beginning of what he hopes will lead to ongoing discussion between health care providers and government. Mr. Grimes said the results of the forum will now be brought to Cabinet. Government will make decisions as soon as is possible.

Contact: Jill Sooley, Director of Communications (709) 729-1377.