FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2004
OPSEU wants province-wide review of managed competition in community health professions
OTTAWA - OPSEU welcomes Health Minister George Smitherman’s planned operational review of the contracting out process in community health care, and wants this review expanded across Ontario.
Smitherman announced the review March 16 at an event in Ottawa. This came after the local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) contracted its work to the lowest bidder, forcing the layoff of 70 community-based occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social workers from their employer, Kaymar Rehabilitation Inc.
Similar “managed competition” downloads have resulted in layoffs for professionals and chaos for home care clients in Huron-Perth, Grey-Bruce, Kingston and other centres.
OPSEU President Leah Casselman said the review was overdue and should be expanded. “The people of Ontario got rid of the Tory agenda that almost destroyed community based health care,” said Casselman. “The Liberals have to move quickly to review this flawed process right across the province.”
In Ottawa, a 30 per cent wage cut forced on community care professionals by the new employers is leading to an exodus of experienced occupational and physiotherapists, who are also more difficult to recruit to community-based work. The subsequent loss of continuity of care, for some clients, may also lead to a loss of
independence.
OPSEU has already called on the Liberal government to eliminate the competitive bidding process at CCACs, maintaining existing staff to provide the care; and to follow through quickly on its promises to improve community-based health care. “The competitive bidding system is killing home care and should be abolished,”
said Casselman.
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For further information:
David Calvert, Ottawa Office (613)-296-6503
David Cox, OPSEU Communications, 1-800-268-7376 x 314
