REPEAT - Media Advisory -- Media Availability & Court Hearing Details for Charter Challenge to Bill 7 ? the Ford government legislation that forces elderly patients into long - term care homes against their will

The Ontario Health Coalition will hold a media availability on September 24, 2024, to discuss the Charter Challenge against Bill 7, the More Beds, Better Care Act (2002). This legislation, passed by the Ford government, grants hospitals and placement coordinators the power to override elderly patients informed consent, forcing them into long-term care homes against their will. The law allows for the sharing of patient information with long-term care corporations without consent and permits admissions into these homes without patient agreement. Patients who refuse to move are charged $400 daily as a form of coercion. The Charter Challenge argues that Bill 7 discriminates against the elderly, violating their rights to life, liberty, and security as enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The case will be heard in court, with Justice Robert Centa presiding. The Ontario Health Coalition and the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly are leading the challenge, funded by public donations. Ontario has the fewest hospital beds per person in Canada and the lowest funding rate per person for hospitals. The government has prioritized licensing for-profit long-term care corporations, resulting in a shortage of non-profit and public long-term care homes. The majority of Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients are not waiting for long-term care but for other services, such as rehab, home renovations, or mental health care. The Charter Challenge aims to address the issue of ALC patients being forced into long-term care homes against their will, as Bill 7 does not solve the ALC problem but rather uses coercion to move one patient for another. The coalition argues that hospitals should continue to provide non-acute care and that Ontario can afford to improve healthcare funding. For more information, contact the Ontario Health Coalition s executive director, Natalie Mehra.

Source: lelezard.com
Published on 2024-09-24