Anthony Leek
Dear editor:
Nothing is more important to Kenora-Rainy River families than knowing that the quality health care they deserve will be there when they need it.
Ontario Liberals understand this, as well as the unique challenges of northern communities, and we have spent the last eight years increasing the number of family doctors, lowering wait times, and building new hospitals right here in Kenora-Rainy River.
I want to assure you the Ministry of Health, and the minister herself, are working to resolve the current doctor situation in Rainy River to ensure local residents get the care they need closer to home.
I do feel it is important to note the Liberal government has increased the number of doctors practising in Kenora-Rainy River. We opened seven Family Health Teams throughout our community–providing care to more than 38,000 residents. Forty-five doctors lead these teams, including 10 new doctors in Dryden, eight new doctors in Fort Frances, and seven new doctors in Red Lake.
These local health teams also are staffed by nurses, social workers, and dietitians under one roof to ensure local residents receive co-ordinated treatment sooner and closer to home.
And we’ve increased funding to every hospital in the riding by more than 20 percent since taking office.
It means 72 more nurses that were trained in our hospitals and are now working here. It means our loved ones are waiting 25 fewer days for a CT scan. And it means local hospitals can deliver the care you deserve.
Funding from the Ministry of Health has allowed for the North West LHIN to create diabetes outreach teams, including those in Fort Frances and Sioux Lookout.
Local health care in Kenora-Rainy River is stronger today than when we first took office. We have hired more doctors, increased hospital funding, and lowered wait times to make sure our loved ones get the care they need right here at home.
We know there is always more to do, and that’s why we are committed to doing our best to solve problems in local communities.
As we move forward together, finding long-term solutions is our strongest focus and helping each other succeed in this is the best way.
Sincerely,
Anthony Leek
President,
Kenora-Rainy River
Prov. Liberal Assoc.
