Duane Lea, who has already lost a foot to a blood clot, fears another amputation due to diabetes. Doctors warn that limb loss from diabetes complications is an epidemic among Black Canadians. (Turgut Yeter/CBC)
June 24, 2024 Story by: Editor
Black Canadians Face Barriers to Primary Care, Researcher Says
“One of the top reasons is delayed diagnosis… When you diagnose diabetes late, you treat it late, and it’s already more severe. This increases the likelihood of amputations. Because Black Canadians are more likely to develop diabetes at a younger age, they should be screened earlier at 30 or 35,” stated Dr. Azza Eissa, a family physician and researcher at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
“Black Canadians have less access to primary care and have less trust in the healthcare system, justifiably so,” added Nicole Woods, a researcher with the Institute for Education Research at Toronto’s University Health Network.
Ontario Long-Term Care Waiting List Exceeds 44,000
“We will absolutely take care of some of the homes that the province is losing, but without a new funding formula, we can’t do it. I imagine those seniors and their families feel devastated, desperate, and lost. It’s very frustrating. It’s financially prudent to help seniors age well instead of having them land in hospitals and long-term care homes,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
Fast-Track Nursing Program Sparks Controversy
“How do you argue with that? I also know other First Nations communities are in dire need of nurses,” remarked Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, whose community has only four nurses for over 10,000 residents.
Slow Progress on Dental Care Plan
“Rolling it out to everybody is a big deal, and every person that gets care that didn’t get care before is a victory,” said Federal Health Minister Mark Holland.
Mental Health Services Critical, Survey Shows
“Nine in 10 Canadians consider access to mental health services important, and over 80% agree that provincial governments should hire more mental health providers to improve access. Last year’s alarming rise in mental health issues underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to improve mental health care in Canada,” wrote Carrie Foster, president of the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association.
Arbitration Criticized by Ontario Nurses Association President
“It is appalling that our skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals have received so little respect from their employer and have been forced into arbitration for a new contract. If Health Sciences North valued those on the front lines who provide such essential care to patients, they would have negotiated a fair contract. Instead, they have left our members severely short-staffed and struggling to provide care and diagnostic services,” said Erin Ariss, RN, president of the Ontario Nurses Association.
BC Government Invests $750 Million in Nurse-to-Patient Ratio
“Things don’t always go smoothly in someone’s healthcare journey, but for nurses to know they’ve done everything needed for that patient is important. Everyone wants to do a good job,” stated BC Nurses Union President Adriane Gear. Source: Canadian Health Coalition
