Doctors Seek Halt to Health Changes

Ontario doctors want the province to delay any major health care restructuring plans until a recently appointed panel makes its recommendations.

The government created the Rural and Northern Health Care Panel to recommend steps to improve access to care in those regions.

The Ontario Medical Association says the government should order Local Health Integration Networks and hospitals in rural and northern communities to put a hold on restructuring plans.

OMA President Dr. Suzanne Strasberg says doctors want a formal consultation process to ensure that the public and health care providers have their say before any decisions are made.

Strasberg says physicians can provide valuable input to help ensure decisions are made without compromising quality and timely access to health care services.

The OMA also wants the government's strategy to formally recognize the differing health care needs in isolated and rural communities.