FYI — The letter below from the AFHTO Board of Directors was sent this morning, Friday, May 18, 2012, to Susan Fitzpatrick, Assistant Deputy Minister of MOHLTC’s Negotiations and Accountability Management Division, and to Dr. Doug Weir, President, Ontario Medical Association.
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May 17, 2012
Ms. Susan Fitzpatrick Assistant Deputy Minister Negotiations and Accountability Management Division Hepburn Block 5th Flr, 80 Grosvenor St Toronto ON M7A1R3 Dr. Doug Weir, President Ontario Medical Association Ontario Medical Association 150 Bloor Street West, Suite 900 Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3C1
Dear Ms. Fitzpatrick and Dr. Weir,
The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario is all about the TEAM in primary care. Our mission is to work with and on behalf of our members as the advocate, champion, network, and resource center for family health teams, to support them in improving and delivering optimal interprofessional care.
The question of the Physician Services Agreement is a matter between the Ministry and the OMA, and therefore AFHTO’s position has been to remain neutral. With our mission clearly in mind, AFHTO has also been watchful as to the potential impact on the ability of FHTs to deliver optimal interprofessional care.
The AFHTO board has reviewed the current situation in its meeting this week. In the interest of maintaining productive working relations among the Ministry, physicians and all members of primary care interprofessional teams, we encourage a return to fair and honest negotiations between government and the OMA regarding physician compensation.
Looking at broader questions in the evolution of our health system, AFHTO is ready, willing and able to help shape further development of interdisciplinary primary care in Ontario. With 20% of Ontarians as patients, existing FHTs have created a critical mass of leadership and organization that can be leveraged to support planning and improvement in primary care delivery.
With the cost and funding pressures facing the province of Ontario, the AFHTO board would also encourage government and all stakeholders to engage in a broad-based exploration of strategies to achieve, consistent with the Excellent Care for all Act:
- Control of cost, and
- Establishment of capacity such that there is the choice of primary care practice for every person in province, and
- Assurance of quality to the expectations of the people of the province of Ontario.
We offer best wishes to both the Ministry and the OMA in reaching an agreement that will serve patients well, and will be satisfactory to both parties. We look forward to participating with you and others to improve Ontario’s health system.
Sincerely,
Kavita Mehta, President
Angie Heydon, Executive Director
Copy to: AFHTO members
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