New Democrats launch campaign to improve quality of continuing care

New Democrats will introduce legislation today to improve the quality of continuing care beyond the treatment of hospitals.

“Across this country we are seeing the growing gaps in continuing care between rural and urban, rich and poor” said NDP Health critic Libby Davies (Vancouver East).

“It is unacceptable that quality of life is being undermined because the federal government is disinterested in maintaining a national vision for health care and senior support” said Davies. “Improving palliative care cannot happen without greater changes to the health care system and attention to how resources are allocated.”

As well as Davies’ Private Member’s Bill on continuing care, MP Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay) introduced a Private Member’s Motion that would establish a national strategy on palliative care.

“Only 16 to 30% of Canadians have access to quality end of life care. There are huge disparities in access and service across this country. I challenge the Harper government to join the conversation on the need for quality palliative home and hospice care for Canadians” said Angus.