Kingston, Ont. health officials react to province’s new plan – Kingston

The Ontario government’s plan for health system stability and recovery is capturing the attention of health officials in Kingston, Ont., as the city continues to face challenges in the health care sector. long duration.

« It covers a lot of ground and touches on a number of areas where we have challenges and have had challenges long before the pandemic, » said Kingston Health Sciences Center (KHSC) CEO and President Dr. David Pichora.

At the Kingston Seniors Association (KSA), staying out of hospital or long-term care facilities is part of the goal of healthy living, but pressure from those who can’t is pushing the province looking for a relief valve.

« Going out and meeting other people and you know, making new friends, » says KSA member Thea Young.

The plan aims to get seniors out of hospitals, who don’t need to be there, and into long-term care facilities with open beds, waiting for their preferred long-term care space to settle. opens.

“There are a lot of nuances to getting it right,” says Pichora. « So that we use our beds as efficiently as possible and also try to provide compassionate care. »

Dr Vince DePaul works at Queen’s University School of Rehabilitation and says he’s not sure how effective the plan will be.

« I think it might help with a small amount, but it won’t solve the bigger problem, » DePaul says.

He says bigger investments in community care, like the Oasis project at Bowling Green apartments in Kingston, could play a role.

Oasis brings services such as nutrition, social and physical programs to the fitness of seniors where they live.

“The numbers are around, I think, close to $200 a day for someone in long-term care, and something like $10 a day for Oasis,” says DePaul.

A similar model is offered by the Kingston Senior’s Association at its premises in the city.

Members say it’s socializing or physical activity, they believe it plays a role in keeping them at home.

« My house is big enough that if I have to stay home with help, it’s big enough for me to, and that’s why I’m here, » says KSA member Gail Scott. « But I’m not going to because I’m going to exercise. »