It’s little wonder that nurses — consistently lauded as the most trusted of all professionals — are the minds behind an ongoing political movement for change. Having recently released its non-partisan policy platform called “Improving Health for All,” the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is making 24 recommendations in five key political areas to Ontario’s four parties: health system reform, the environment, government fiscal capacity, living standards, and access to nursing care. “Time and experience have shown that if these evidence-based recommendations are implemented, they will shape health outcomes and benefit Ontarians in the short and long term.”Among the most integral suggestions is to ensure a better functioning health system, which must be anchored in primary care, says Grinspun. Green-lighting RNs to order lab tests, as well as continuing to have them initiate the controlled act of psychotherapy are also recommended. Other key highlights: Implementing a universal, single-payer pharmacare health-care system that covers all medically necessary prescriptions without deductibles, co-payments, user fees and means testing, and investing $10 million to support oral care for low-income adults and seniors.

Source: thestar May 05, 2018 09:33 UTC