The C-E-O of the Huron-Perth Healthcare Alliance says the current review of health care in the province is a positive step.
Andrew Williams says the more planning that can be done locally and service providers brought under the same accountability framework the better, but adds it doesn't necessarily have to be one agency as long as they all work well together.
Williams says one critical discussion that has to take place is the urban versus rural issue because the needs of primary care providers in rural Ontario differ significantly from those in urban centres, and primary care is a major piece of the proposal.
Williams also points to the various groups of health care sectors who are administered by different pieces of the Province like EMS and public health by the municipality, hospitals aligned with the LHINs, and physicians with the Province. He argues it's essential they all be working together and planning in a co-ordinated fashion.
Williams also points out human nature always assumes the worst where there is uncertainty, and the uncertainty over health care reform is creating some angst among health care providers, so the sooner it can be completed and implemented the better.