Be Aware Health Care | May 30th, 2023

Free Prescriptions = Lower Health Care Costs? 

A new study suggests that providing free prescription drugs to individuals in Ontario who struggle to afford them can generate overall savings for the healthcare system.

The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, followed 747 patients who reported leaving prescriptions unfilled or stretching out doses due to high costs. Half of the patients received full coverage for their drugs. After three years, the researchers found that offering free prescriptions saved the public healthcare system an average of $1,488 per patient annually by preventing hospital visits. The study adds to existing evidence supporting the provision of free access to medicines.

The findings come as Canadians await the tabling of legislation for a universal pharmacare plan promised by the federal Liberals and New Democrats. Currently, limited pharmaceutical expenses are covered through provincial plans, leaving many Canadians unable to fill their prescriptions due to cost. The study highlights the potential benefits of implementing a national pharmacare plan in Canada.

In today’s email:

Ontario

1. Internal Nurses Fill the Gap: Balancing Solutions and Patient Safety

2. Peterborough Unites | Community Health Centre

3. Grand River Hospital Foundation Launches 'Care Never Stops Week' to Transform Local Healthcare

4. Coalition

Canada 🇨🇦

1. Canadians Carry Nearly Three Times More Healthcare Debt than Australians

2. 190 Calgary ER Doctors Sound the Alarm on Collapsing Emergency Rooms in Open Letter

3. Preserving Health: Clean Air For Healthcare

Ontario

International Nurses Fill the Gap: Balancing Solutions and Patient Safety

The number of internationally educated nurses being registered in Ontario has reached a record high, with nearly half of all new nurses educated outside of Canada. The province, like others in Canada, is facing a healthcare labor shortage and has been working to add more nurses to the system. Last year, out of the 12,385 new nurses registered by the College of Nurses of Ontario, 5,124 were trained outside of the country. The increased reliance on international graduates is due to changes in licensing requirements that have removed language and credential assessment barriers.

However, concerns have been raised about patient safety as some argue that removing language proficiency tests may allow nurses with poor language skills to practice.

The College of Nurses of Ontario defends the change, stating that it improves efficiencies and focuses on an applicant's ability to communicate within a healthcare environment. Experts suggest that in addition to recruiting internationally, Ontario should also increase the number of seats in its own nursing programs to ensure self-sufficiency.

Peterborough Unites | Community Health Centre

Peterborough community members, including patients, healthcare providers, and community leaders, have gathered to rally for the establishment of a Community Health Centre (CHC) in the city.

The coalition, supported by a volunteer community board, aims to address the healthcare needs of marginalized individuals and foster collaboration among healthcare and social service providers. A CHC would enhance care coordination, expand services, and offer support for primary care providers. By advocating for a CHC, the community hopes to improve health outcomes, reduce emergency department visits, and address healthcare disparities in Peterborough.

Grand River Hospital Foundation Launches 'Care Never Stops Week' to Transform Local Healthcare

The Grand River Hospital Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign called "Care Never Stops Week" to raise funds for better local healthcare. The campaign, which started in 2020 and aims to raise $258 million, has already received $232 million in donations from 35,000 people.

During the fundraising week, the foundation announced its largest-ever donation from an individual who included a significant amount in their will. The events will also include the launch of a clothing collection called "After Dark" to support night shift workers at the hospital, education challenges for University of Waterloo students, and the unveiling of a new mural. The funds raised will be used to address the most pressing needs across the hospital, including equipment, building costs, and research and staff roles. Additionally, the hospital will host "Rally for Health," featuring a free concert by the band "The Strumbellas" and a car show to support kids' cancer care at GRH.

Votes Being Counted | Coalition Confident Ontario Stands With a “No” to Private Healthcare

The Ontario Health Coalition has concluded its referendum on the privatization of public hospital services, and the votes are currently being counted. The coalition initiated the referendum in April, giving people the choice to oppose or support the privatization of healthcare services. Many voters expressed their preference for keeping healthcare public, emphasizing equal access and protection against financial hardship.

The Ontario government recently passed Bill 60, which allows private clinics to offer publicly funded surgeries to address pandemic-related backlogs. However, concerns about the potential negative impact on frontline staff and healthcare quality have been raised. The final vote count will be released soon, and the coalition believes it will send a strong message that the province should heed the concerns of Ontarians.

Canada 🇨🇦

Canadians Carry Nearly Three Times More Healthcare Debt than Australians

A recent survey conducted by Compare the Market reveals that Canadians have nearly 300% more healthcare debt than Australians, despite both countries having universal healthcare systems. The average Canadian holds $8,214 in healthcare debt, primarily attributed to dental care and prescription medication. In contrast, Australians have an average healthcare debt of $2,839. The United States tops the list with an average debt of $12,765 per person.

The survey also found that Canadians are more likely to go into debt for medical services compared to Australians. Concerns about healthcare in Canada have led to some cancer patients being sent to the US for treatment due to provider shortages.

190 Calgary ER Doctors Sound the Alarm on Collapsing Emergency Rooms in Open Letter

A group of nearly 200 emergency room (ER) doctors in Calgary has issued an open letter to raise the alarm about the dire state of emergency departments, stating that they are "collapsing" and struggling to provide timely and effective care.

The doctors, representing about 75% of those working at Calgary's four adult hospitals, emphasize that signs of a capacity crisis are evident, with patients experiencing wait times of up to 15 hours and becoming sicker while waiting. The doctors cite high patient volumes, insufficient beds, and staffing shortages as major challenges, resulting in patients being treated in hallways and waiting rooms. They urge the healthcare system to address these issues and call on Albertans to prioritize healthcare in the upcoming provincial election.

Preserving Health: Clean Air For Healthcare

Health professionals in Alberta emphasize the urgent need for clean air and bold climate action. They see the direct health impacts of environmental changes, such as wildfires and air pollution. Climate change is already a health issue, causing fatalities and straining the healthcare system. Air pollution in Alberta leads to cardiovascular problems, lung function decline, and increased cancer risk. Children are particularly vulnerable.

Taking action on climate change also improves health outcomes. The government should prioritize energy efficiency, electric transportation, better infrastructure, and green spaces. Health professionals urge voters to prioritize clean air and climate action in the upcoming election.

Thanks For Reading!

Feel free to email us back with any feedback or questions.

Share with friends and family!