Letter to the Editor
The Toronto Star
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Patients need an advocate
RE: Hospital review paves the way for ombudsman
August 2, 2007
We believe that patients across the health care sector would benefit not only from the Ombudsman’s oversight but also access to independent advocacy services. The Ombudsman cannot be a partisan advocate for the individual but an independent patient advocate can be. Both have a place in our current health care system.
For many years, the Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office (PPAO) and the Ontario Ombudsman worked together to address patient concerns and complaints at the 10 former provincial psychiatric hospitals (PPHs). Our office provided independent advocacy, while the Ombudsman was available as the office of last resort to address unresolved issues. Sadly, since the divestment of nine PPHs from government control, that relationship only continues to exist at the Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene.
At times, the support and additional voice provided by an independent advocate can be the lever needed to shift an unmoveable force. Advocates would work with patients at every step of the way to ensure that quality-of-care and quality-of-life issues are addressed and patients received timely access to services and supports. Our service delivery model could easily be adapted to the broader health-care sector.
As the health landscape is shifting and the role of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is changing, it is time to consider what advocacy and rights-protection services are needed by patients across the health-care system.
David Simpson, Director (A)
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
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