(Queen?s Park) ? Progressive Conservative MPP Peter Shurman (Thornhill) today said today?s Auditor General report reveals the McGuinty Liberal government?s continued neglect of the health and safety of the people of Thornhill and Ontario.
?The Auditor General?s report is a stunning condemnation of the McGuinty government and the nonchalant attitude they take to the health and well-being of Ontarians,? said Shurman.
The Auditor General found that over 1/3 of the money spent on medication for residents of long-term care facilities was wasted on dispensing fees and had nothing to do with patient care. In addition, the report found that 675 long-term care residents were dispensed drugs that studies have indicated ?should rarely or never be used in the elderly because it is generally ineffective and has potential adverse side effects?.
"The reality of this Government, as illuminated by the Auditor General, is that the McGuinty years in this province are hallmarked by neglect of seniors, neglect of health care, and neglect of public safety,? stated Shurman.
Additional findings of the Auditor General:
67% of hip-replacement patients waited longer than the established 10-month benchmark. In some cases, the wait was longer than three years.
An average of 12% of operating rooms are not used most weekdays.
This number jumped to 60% in the summer of 2006.
2/3 of long-term care facilities visited had no documentation to show they obtained the required informed consent to treat residents with new medication.
?Our valued seniors are being put at risk due to the policies of the McGuinty Liberals and their inability to appropriately monitor the quality of care provided in long-term care facilities,? said Shurman.