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The Medical Society of PEI (MSPEI) is guarded in its interpretation of whether Islanders should be at all comforted by Government’s announced new spending for healthcare.
MSPEI President, Dr. Scott Cameron noted, “Despite proclamations of “new money”there is much that we consider re-announcements. There is a great deal of old news reiterated in Minister Murphy’s speech. I fear that this budget is a purely political document.”
Dr. Cameron noted physicians are always grateful for any new money toward improving Islanders’ access to quality healthcare. Additional funds dedicated to the recruitment and retention of physicians - a stated focus by Government - is welcome news. However, it is unclear as to how, and where, $1.8 million will be spent. “ For instance, we are curious as to whether this is part of the funds needed to fulfill an earlier pay-promise to rural physicians,” commented Cameron.
Another previously-announced project included a much-awaited residency program for medical students. Once again Government is dedicating money ($300 thousand) toward a program but offered no details or even a projected date when a residency program might be functional.
Minister Murphy announced yesterday that PEI’s patient wait time guarantee extends to Islanders requiring radiation therapy. Dr. Cameron was both surprised and troubled when hearing of PEI’s commitment to reducing wait times as part of the province’s commitment to the 2004 Health Accord. “This was an initiative of the Federal Government to improve access to services,” advised Cameron. “I would hazard to say most patients don’t realize that the Island is already well above national standards for radiation therapy. So how does this in any way improve access if the standard is already surpassed? I think the province’s choice is obvious; it allows PEI to comply and in essence gets us off the hook!”
He expressed hope that the $1.3 million allocated will be put toward improvements in other areas such as sight restoration, joint replacements and diagnostic imaging.
As an Emergency Room physician at the Prince County Hospital, Dr. Cameron expressed disappointment with the marginal improvement promised to services at the PCH. “An additional four hours a day will not in any significant way lead to improvement in patients’ access to Emergency care.”
“I regret that yesterday’s budget has left physicians feeling somewhat suspicious - even negative despite its healthcare focus,” lamented Cameron. “The budget had some redeeming news. Certainly the announcements of new Federal funds allowing PEI to begin an HPV Vaccination program to prevent cervical cancer, and moneys toward the implementation of a pre-Diabetes screening pilot are commendable initiatives that will promote high standards of health for Islanders.” Other areas of note include a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program and funding for a Youth Addictions facility.
Dr. Cameron concluded, “Only time and a provincial election will tell if this is a budget of worth - or one filled with empty election promises.”
-30-
MSPEI President, Dr. Scott Cameron noted, “Despite proclamations of “new money”there is much that we consider re-announcements. There is a great deal of old news reiterated in Minister Murphy’s speech. I fear that this budget is a purely political document.”
Dr. Cameron noted physicians are always grateful for any new money toward improving Islanders’ access to quality healthcare. Additional funds dedicated to the recruitment and retention of physicians - a stated focus by Government - is welcome news. However, it is unclear as to how, and where, $1.8 million will be spent. “ For instance, we are curious as to whether this is part of the funds needed to fulfill an earlier pay-promise to rural physicians,” commented Cameron.
Another previously-announced project included a much-awaited residency program for medical students. Once again Government is dedicating money ($300 thousand) toward a program but offered no details or even a projected date when a residency program might be functional.
Minister Murphy announced yesterday that PEI’s patient wait time guarantee extends to Islanders requiring radiation therapy. Dr. Cameron was both surprised and troubled when hearing of PEI’s commitment to reducing wait times as part of the province’s commitment to the 2004 Health Accord. “This was an initiative of the Federal Government to improve access to services,” advised Cameron. “I would hazard to say most patients don’t realize that the Island is already well above national standards for radiation therapy. So how does this in any way improve access if the standard is already surpassed? I think the province’s choice is obvious; it allows PEI to comply and in essence gets us off the hook!”
He expressed hope that the $1.3 million allocated will be put toward improvements in other areas such as sight restoration, joint replacements and diagnostic imaging.
As an Emergency Room physician at the Prince County Hospital, Dr. Cameron expressed disappointment with the marginal improvement promised to services at the PCH. “An additional four hours a day will not in any significant way lead to improvement in patients’ access to Emergency care.”
“I regret that yesterday’s budget has left physicians feeling somewhat suspicious - even negative despite its healthcare focus,” lamented Cameron. “The budget had some redeeming news. Certainly the announcements of new Federal funds allowing PEI to begin an HPV Vaccination program to prevent cervical cancer, and moneys toward the implementation of a pre-Diabetes screening pilot are commendable initiatives that will promote high standards of health for Islanders.” Other areas of note include a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program and funding for a Youth Addictions facility.
Dr. Cameron concluded, “Only time and a provincial election will tell if this is a budget of worth - or one filled with empty election promises.”
-30-