Last chance to share voice in negotiations member survey
The negotiations member survey deadline has been extended until Wednesday, June 7 at 11:59 p.m. This is an important opportunity for members to make their voices heard as the OMA prepares to enter into negotiations with the ministry on the next Physician Services Agreement.
To participate, members should look for an email received from Ipsos, most recently on Thursday morning, which contains a unique link to the survey. Members who opted out of surveys, but wish to receive this one, can email the negotiations team.
Request a survey link from negotiations@oma.org.
The OMA has released the first Prescription Progress Report 2023. The Progress Report identifies the actions taken by the provincial government over the past 18 months on 51 of the 87 recommendations in the Prescription for Ontario: Doctors’ 5-Point Plan for Better Health Care.
This report demonstrates that the government recognizes our expertise in solving health-care problems. As a result, the Prescription for Ontario, our roadmap for strengthening the health-care system and improving patient access, is having an impact.
We are especially encouraged by its response to some of the foundational changes we called for, including the creation of community diagnostic and surgical centres, more investment in primary care and steps to license more foreign-trained physicians.
For example, wait times are addressed by moving less complex procedures to community clinics. And Ontarians struggling with mental health and addiction will receive more support.
But we still have a long way to go. The Progress Report identifies three urgent priority areas that still need to be addressed:
Ensuring access to team-based primary care led by a family doctor
Reducing physician burnout
Addressing the lack of access to coordinated community-based care
I had productive meetings with key government officials leading up to the release of our report to update them on the remaining work. Our discussions were well received, and each official has agreed to continue working with us.
Collaboration is critical to improving Ontario’s health-care system. While I am heartened to see the progress made, I recognize there is a long journey ahead.
The Ministry of Health has announced extensions to the following temporary COVID-19 funding initiatives:
The Temporary Summer Locum Program will conclude on Sept. 30, 2023
The after-hours premiums fee codes (E409 and E410) for physicians performing specified elective surgical and other procedures after-hours will conclude on Sept. 30, 2023
The Emergency Department Alternative Funding Agreement surge funding has been extended to March 31, 2024, with a scheduled reduction of base funding each quarter. For additional details, please contact the EDAFA lead within the respective department
The Ontario government updated drug-related regulations for several health-care professionals including chiropodists, pharmacists and naturopaths. The OMA opposed these changes through several submissions and will escalate its concerns regarding patient safety and continuity of care in a formal letter to the government. The OMA scope of practice web page contains more information on these changes and its submissions to the government. Read about the scope of practice changes and the OMA submissions.
Events
Gain trauma-informed treatment skills. Disaster Psychiatry Canada invites members to join the sixth annual CME accredited training course, Psychiatric Dimensions of Disasters. Attendees will hear from psychiatry specialists on the mental health effects of trauma, such as the societal and individual impacts of war, trauma-informed treatment as well as the principles and practice of disaster psychiatry. The free event, which is open to all health-care professionals, will take place on June 9 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A recording will be available for those unable to attend. Register for the event.
OMA in the News
OMA Progress Report grabs media attention. OMA President Dr. Andrew Park hosted a media briefing this week announcing the findings and recommendations outlined in the OMA’s Prescription Progress Report 2023. Following the briefing, Dr. Park spoke with AM640 Toronto, 109.5 The Region, CTV News London, CHCH, Newstalk 1010, AM900 CHML Hamilton and AM980 CFPL London. Dr. Park also interviewed with Global News to discuss his new role as the first East Asian OMA president and the OMA’s priorities during his year-long tenure. Read the OMA’s top news coverage.
The OMA Insurance advisory team is taking initiative to meet and support OMA members within their communities. Members can schedule an appointment to discover how the team can help with their insurance or saving needs. Meet the OMA Insurance advisory team. Book with an advisory team member.
Access savings on UpToDate® subscriptions. Members can take advantage of a limited time offer on UpToDate – the evidence-based, physician-authored resource trusted for reliable clinical answers. Receive an extra 10 per cent off an annual (or longer) individual subscription from June 1-30. Start saving on UpToDate subscriptions.
Receive offers from TELUS. Members have access to TELUS Exclusive Partner Program discounts on mobility and home services, including Smart Home Security. Members who bundle services can maximize savings and experience even more value. Take advantage of TELUS discounts.
Please note that this survey response will not be anonymous. It will be linked to your member account with OMA, and the data will be used for quality assurance purposes by the OMA team. You are not required to participate. Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statement:
