The Minister of Health should recognize the need for new medical laboratory and diagnostic imaging services at the East Wellington Family Health Team, says Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.
In a statement in the Ontario Legislature on June 11, Arnott commended the East Wellington Family Health Team for their compassion and professionalism and urged minister Deb Matthews to approve these needed, new health services.
“Recently, I received word from the East Wellington Family Health Team that they’re seeking to establish a laboratory service on site, as well as diagnostic imaging services,” said Arnott. “I want to offer my unqualified support for this idea.”
“Right now, our local residents in these underserved communities must travel up to 47 kilometres and wait many long hours for lab services,” Arnott explained. “Our seniors and people with chronic conditions, like diabetes, deserve better.”
“Granting a new specimen collection centre licence for the health team would improve health service for the local and surrounding population, facilitate the recruitment and retention of physicians in our area, support our health professionals in implementing the ministry’s preventive care initiatives, give patients an alternative to waiting at the local hospital emergency department and provide care for seniors closer to home,” he added.
Arnott called on the health minister to review the need and to ensure that the necessary approvals were put in place.
After he finished his statement, Arnott spoke to the minister in the Legislative Chamber to impress upon her the importance of the issue. He also followed up with her office later in the afternoon.
