Local Health Integration Networks

More uncertainty for patients and workers?

The Liberal government wants to make radical changes to the health care system that may affect the jobs of health care workers and the care patients receive.

This summer, the Liberal cabinet quietly approved a plan to create Local Health Integration Networks (LHIN).

Nobody knows much about this plan yet. We do know the government is planning to create 14 regional LHINs. This could mean more uncertainty in the health care system and likely more profit-driven health care delivery.

LHINs may replace CCACs, district health councils, and public health units and Ministry regional offices. This could lead to increased competition for scarce funds, and job losses, while allowing politicians to avoid responsibility for funding decisions. That way, when vital services are lost to a community, the Minister of Health can wash his hands of the decision.

OPSEU is launching an advertising campaign that asks: "Have you been consulted?" Our radio ads start August 23 in most Ontario communities, and our newspaper ads will run August 25.

OPSEU wants to prevent another reorganization that will create more chaos in the health care system. We are demanding that the government engage in meaningful consultation before proceeding with any such initiatives.

You can help. Click on the links on this campaign page to send a letter to your MPP (see list of questions to ask on this site) send a letter to the editor, or sign a petition. If you have information that might help OPSEU, please contact dcox@opseu.org