Peggy Sattler MPP, London West

QUEEN’S PARK – In question period Monday, MPP Peggy Sattler (London West) asked the government why it has so far refused to renew funding for Best Care program, which supports people living with chronic heart conditions and COPD in the London area.
 
“Thousands of Londoners and others across Southwestern Ontario rely on the Best Care program to manage their chronic heart and respiratory conditions,” said Sattler. “People with heart failure or COPD are worried that they will lose this specialized program designed to keep them healthy and improve their quality of life.”
 
Best Care is a primary care program that supports people in Southwestern Ontario living with chronic heart failure, COPD and other respiratory conditions. Funding for the program ended on March 31, and the Ford government is ignoring inquiries regarding whether or not the funding will be renewed. Program administrators are preparing to shut down services and lay off staff in the coming weeks.
 
“Best Care has been proven to reduce the number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations by 60 per cent or more, which is especially important now as our hospitals struggle to recover from this pandemic,” said Sattler. “We can’t afford to reduce health care services for Ontarians or see any health care workers laid off. The province must provide Best Care the funding it needs to continuing offering its life-saving services.”