Bruce Grey Owen Sound's MPP says vulnerable residents will suffer thanks to the province's cut of $20-million from the Assistive Devices Program.
MPP Bill Walker has challenged the health minister to address unacceptable delays for residents who are forced to wait for up to a year for the assessment and repair of adaptive devices like wheelchairs and prosthetics.
He points to Port Elgin native Jeff Preston who is dependent on the program.
“Jeff Preston is one of those 300,000 Ontarians whose life depends on timely access to adaptive equipment through Assistive Devices. He has been waiting to be assessed for a suitable wheelchair for almost a year, wondering each day if this will be the day of his worst nightmare where he is made a prisoner in his own home,” says Walker, quoting from a letter written by Port Elgin native Jeff Preston.
“The minister stated he was proud of their record as related to assistive devices. Well I am not, and I want to know what action is the minister going to take today to remedy Jeff’s particular situation, and the inexcusable backlog so that all Ontarians needing repairs for their assistive devices, wheelchairs and prosthetics can live with dignity and independence.
“I think it’s deplorable that the Liberal government’s continued cuts to health care are preventing Ontarians from receiving the optimal health care they need and deserve,” he says. “Immediate action, not more chats, is required, and must include restoring the funding they cut in 2015 so that Ontarians can receive the care and services they need and deserve, and in a timely manner.”
