FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December
15, 2005
Steve Peters won’t
reveal McGuinty government’s plans for mental health
services: panel shrouded in secrecy
LONDON – Mental health workers
and patients in the southwest have discovered that a secret
panel is deciding the future of mental health services in
Ontario without input from those most directly affected.
The McGuinty Liberals have
appointed a working group to oversee changes in mental health
but won’t reveal the names of its members or its terms of
reference. Local mental health workers want to know what is
going on, but can’t get any answers from MPP Steve Peters
(Elgin-London-Middlesex).
“The McGuinty government should
be open and transparent about its plans to transfer treatment
programs from hospitals to community agencies, instead of
hiding its agenda,” said Leah Casselman, president of the
Ontario Public Service Employees Union, (OPSEU). “People have
a right to know how these changes will affect patients,
workers and their families.”
The Ministry of Health has
identified 34 hospital-run programs in the southwest for
transfer, including 11 specialized teams that treat and
rehabilitate schizophrenics living in the community.
“There are a lot of questions
that need answers,” said Dave Erskine, President of OPSEU
Local 152 at Regional Mental Health Care London and St.
Thomas. “Will the services remain? Do the community agencies
have the expertise and staffing levels to deliver them? What
will happen to the medical oversight? If Steve Peters has any
of the answers, he should tell us.”
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For further information: Dave
Erskine, (519) 631-8510 Ext. 49500 or (519) 765-8660
