MPP WALKER CALLS ON HEALTH MINISTER TO WIPE OUT BACKLOG IN MEDICAL AIDS

QUEEN’S PARK – Today, Bill Walker, the MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and the PC Critic for Long-Term Care, challenged the Health Minister to deliver an action plan to wipe out the backlog in the Assistive Devices program that’s leaving our most vulnerable people waiting too long to get their wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility aids.

“The backlog consists of some of Ontario’s most vulnerable, severely disabled citizens, people in need, and you have left them waiting far too long. Clearly the AD program’s approval process, set up by this government, is not working,” MPP Walker said in Question Period.

“I ask the Minister to consider a recommendation from the Assistive Devices Association to wipe out the backlog by bringing in product approval timelines that take into account prior testing and ensure oversight of the new process.”

MPP Walker said he was disappointed the Minister has not yet brought forward an action plan to reduce processing time and, most importantly, ensure people receive service as quickly as possible.

“I reminded the Minister that back in 2009, the Liberal government had a backlog of 3,200 clients and a 16-week delay, which they said was unacceptable. Today, we’re hearing about a 50-week delay, and in another client’s case, 60 weeks,” MPP Walker said. “The Minister needs to commit today to wiping out the backlog and fixing the inefficient approvals process.”

MPP Walker said he has written the Minister about two egregious examples of this backlog – one involving Jeff Preston of London, who waited one year for just an assessment of his wheelchair, and another involving Morris Caby of Toronto, who waited one year and two months to get his motorized wheelchair.

“AD clients and the AD Association need action from this Minister and this Government to ensure that those who have been left waiting by this ineffective approvals process will get access to the medical devices they need and deserve in a timely way,” said MPP Walker.

Late last year, MPP Walker questioned the Liberal government’s decision to cut $20 million in funding from the Assistive Devices program in the 2015 budget.

“Shame on the Liberals for rationing care and for attempting to balance the books on the backs of vulnerable Ontarians,” concluded MPP Walker.