FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2002
Put new MRI, CT scan machines in public hospitals not private clinics, says OPSEU
The Eves government should ensure health care dollars for MRI and CT Scan equipment and staff are invested in our public hospitals, not private clinics, says the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.
Today’s announcement that the government would provide MRI and CT machines for private clinics strikes a blow against universal public medicare, the union said. “Once again, this government is putting profits before people’s health,” said OPSEU President Leah Casselman.
OPSEU, representing more than 25,000 health care workers including CT and MRI technologists at many public hospitals, says private delivery of these services could mean “worried well” patients could be able to jump the queue and step in front of those in true need of diagnosis.
Recent comments in a Globe and Mail article (June 19) by a private clinic operator indicate such companies are more interested in dealing with “asymptomatic” clients from Europe than with sick Ontarians. Companies could “cherry-pick” easier-to-serve patients forcing more complex cases into the public system.
Shortages of specialized technologists are already acute in Ontario and across Canada, with many eligible for retirement in the next 12 years, and virtually no training or recruitment programs in place. Private clinics would compete with our public hospitals for the remaining trained technologists.
“As a result, our public hospitals will be left with the sickest patients and no staff to deal with them,” said Casselman.
Collective agreements for the vast majority of OPSEU’s 11,000 hospital professionals, which includes CT and MRI technologists, expired March 31, 2002. Central negotiations have stalled.
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For more information:
David Cox 416-443-8888 x314
Or visit us at http://www.hospitalprofessionals.org
