Some difficult decisions have been made regarding long-term care facilities, and Health Minister Dr. John Haggie says when the opportunity arises, changes can be considered.
Haggie says most residents in facilities are in their own “double bubble,” but restrictions remain in place.
He says when the time is right, they will look at slightly different approaches.
Haggie explains if they rush it, they may make things worse rather than better. They do not want to see the problems in long-term care that have been generated in other jurisdictions arise here.
About 80 per cent of all COVID deaths in Canada have occurred in those settings.
Inflated PPE Prices the Biggest Problem in Healthcare System, says Haggie
(Photo by Banej via Creative Commons..)
Meanwhile, the province is paying anywhere from five to seven times more, per item, for Personal Protective Equipment as compared to January, according to the health minister.
Haggie says Regional Health Authorities have an expenditure cap on PPE for the year, and the province is currently running on interim supply.
Haggie says they told RHAs to get what they need and can justify.
The issue around ICU beds is a planning one more than a reality, says Haggie. They have seen no greater than around 54-55 per cent occupancy up to now.
Government does have an order in with a company in Ontario for an extra ventilator, but Haggie says they actually have 40 per cent over-capacity in terms of ventilators compared to ICU beds.
Haggie says the biggest problem in the healthcare system is PPE and the jacked-up prices.
At some point when the dust settles, Haggie says they will figure out where the money for PPE will come from.
