Background
As many in the Dystonia community may know, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) has decided to cut funding to the Centre for Movement Disorders (CFMD) located in Markham. As a result, this clinic will close effective August 31, 2013, impacting 2,500 Ontarians and their families who will lose access to essential services provided at the CFMD.
The Minister did not give a definitive answer on why this decision was made. The model used in the CFMD has proven to be the gold standard of service delivery. This is based on best-practices, shown to be cost effective, with proven positive health outcomes. It is an excellent example of quality healthcare that should be imitated across the province, not reduced in capacity.
What are we asking from the government?
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada has been actively working with our movement disorder partners, Parkinson Society Canada and Huntington Society of Canada, to address the needs of Ontarians living with movement disorders.
Ontario needs to expand the multidisciplinary model of care, and build on existing health services, in order to develop a coordinated and integrated provincial Movement Disorder Strategy to fully address the needs of those affected by chronic progressive movement disorders.
What can you do to help?
We are asking the Dystonia community to contact their elected officials to request their support of a provincial Movement Disorder Strategy.
- Write a letter to your local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP)
As a constituent, voice your thoughts on how a provincial Movement Disorder Strategy based on the multi-disciplinary model can benefit people living with Parkinson’s disease!
Click here for a letter Sample, The letter is in PDF form. You will have to cut and paste into a word form, or contact info@dystoniacanada.org to have the letter sent to you in a Word document.
Click here for instructions on how to complete and send the letter.
- Write a letter to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
As a member of the Parkinson’s community who relies heavily on the Ontario healthcare system, ensure that Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, is considering your views on how a provincial Movement Disorder Strategy based on the multi-disciplinary model can benefit people living with Parkinson’s disease!
We recommend that you send a copy of this letter to the Premier, Opposition Health Critics, and Deputy Minister of Health and Long-Term Care for their consideration. The Premier needs to be informed of key health issues affecting Ontarians living with movement disorders. As this is a non-partisan issue, it is also important that both Opposition Health Critics are aware of the situation, in addition to policy makers in the Ontario Public Service.
Click here for a letter sample. The letter is in PDF form. You can cut and paste to a Word document, or contact info@dystoniacanada.org to have the sample sent to you in Word.
Click here for instructions on how to complete and send the letter/s
Thank you for your help!
Please encourage others in the Dystonia community (e.g. caregivers, family, friends) to support our cause by writing their own letters to their elected officials.
Remember that it is your collective voices that will have the greatest impact on making changes within this province!
For more information please contact:
Diane Gillespie, Executive Director
416-488-6974
info@dystoniacanada.org