They argue that privately financed care “unloads” the public system by decreasing wait lists for public facilities. Competition for private-pay patients in public facilities reduces access for public patients. Private hospitals offer simpler elective surgery and childbirth, with only about 5 per cent offering emergency room services. This longer wait for public patients might be acceptable if “unloading” the public system improved wait times. Dr. Brian Day’s case in British Columbia has deep pocketed supporters who would benefit from introduction of private care.

Source: thestar December 03, 2019 22:28 UTC