For Immediate Release
January 17, 2007
Barrett points to McGuinty short-change
on Long Term Care
Dunnville – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant
MPP Toby Barrett calls a $4,000/resident long term care funding shortfall
one more in the long list of McGuinty broken promises.
Barrett commented on the final day of
committee hearings for Bill 140- the Long Term Care Homes Act as he emerged
from a meeting with staff and residents at Grandview Lodge in Dunnville.
“This government promised in the
election to provide additional care for every resident – over three
years later, they are still $4,000 short,” decried Barrett following
his Grandview meeting. “Meantime, of the $2,000/ resident that has
been spent, I’m told most of it is going into capital expenditures
like lift equipment instead of the additional personal care for which
it was promised.”
Barrett is also joining with PC Health
Critic Elizabeth Witmer in calling on the Liberals to amend the Long-Term-Care
Act to provide for a capital renewal program and eliminate three and four
bed ward rooms.
“Bill 140 does nothing to address
the real problems – nothing to invest in upgrading the 36,000 insufficient
B and C grade beds in Ontario, nothing to ensure that residents are being
offered fresh and nutritious food, and nothing to live up to the promise
of an additional 20 minutes of care,” Barrrett intoned. “In
December 2003, George Smitherman vowed to take immediate action, saying
he wanted to start a “revolution” in long term care, three
years later the only shot fired – Bill 140 – has been a dud.”
- 30 -
For more information please contact
MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629
|
