A local MPP says Ontarians should be wary of private rehab clinics opening as the result of healthcare cuts.
Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Percy Hatfield stood in the legislature at Queen's Park on Monday to ask the Liberal majority about healthcare cuts affecting care for Windsor-Essex heart patients.
"More than a thousand people in the Windsor area suffer a heart attack or have a cardiac event each year," said Hatfield on the floor. "The Liberals only fund rehab programs for half that number. Instead of weeks, patients have to wait anywhere from three to six months to get into rehab."
Hatfield pointed out the recent opening of a private clinic in Windsor-Essex, where patients could start rehab right away, but they would have to pay for the treatments themselves.
Blaming the Liberals for years of healthcare cuts, Hatfield spoke about his concern over U.S.-style clinics undermining care.
"The Canadian Health Care Coalition says private rehab clinics can prey on vulnerable patients who may not always know their rights," said Hatfield. "This American style of health care should have no place in Ontario."
In response, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Dr. Helena Jaczek said the Liberals have steadily increased their spending toward cardiovascular rehab services, including an additional $25-million this year. Jaczek said they're using information gathered from pilot projects to increase future care for cardiac patients, including those in Windsor-Essex.
