Latest news with #OHA
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ontario hospitals are doing more with less, but at a cost
Ontario hospitals have become experts at efficiency in recent years, in part because they have had to. But that has come at a cost, according to a new report from the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA). Among those costs are record waits in emergency departments, a growing number of hospitals facing deficits, and a weakening capacity to deal with surges in demand, according to Anthony Dale, president and CEO of the OHA. Given rising health system pressures, the current situation is not sustainable, says the OHA. 'Over time, the strain on the sector has left hospitals with little ability to expand to manage surges in demand — be it the increasing needs of the population, or the next pandemic,' the report titled: Ontario Hospitals — Leaders in Efficiency warns. Ontario ranks the lowest in Canada when it comes to per capita spending on hospitals. The province spends $1,935 per person. The average spent by other provinces is $2,209. It would cost Ontario $4.4 billion a year to fund Ontario hospitals at that rate, according to the report. Ontario's relatively low per capita spending is often pointed to by critics as a sign that the government is failing to properly support health care, but the Ontario Hospital Association sees some positives in the numbers. Its new report notes that Ontario hospitals have achieved good results for patients while also achieving high levels of efficiency. While there is room for improvement and a clear need for reinvestment, Ontario's health system overall performs well in comparison to other provinces,' according to the report. Hospitals in Ontario have accommodated the 'growing and aging population while facing a shortage of beds' by reducing the need for hospitalizations through greater use of less-invasive, same-day procedures and outpatient services, along with other innovations and quality improvements, according to the report. As a result, the average length of hospital stay in Ontario (in 2023-24) was 6.8 days, the lowest in Canada. The Canadian average was 7.3 days, with Alberta recording an average of 8.0 days and Manitoba recording an average of 10.1 days. But there are limits to how much and how fast lengths of hospital stays can be reduced, warns the report, noting a shortage of home and community care may contribute to a longer stay for some patients. By some key measures, Ontario hospitals outperform hospitals in other provinces, despite the per capita funding differences. Ontario hospitals perform among the best in the country according to a measure that reflects whether hospitals are successful in reducing patient deaths and improving care. By other measures that track how well hospitals are doing, though, there are signs that some improvements could be slipping. Ontario had seen improvement in hospital readmission rates (the percentage of patients who return to the hospital for any reason within a specific time — usually 30 days — after being discharged) until 2022-2023, but rates increased in 2023-2024, giving Ontario a below-average performance. The number of patients who received emergency hip fracture surgery within 48 hours has improved recently in Ontario, but remains below average compared to other provinces. Delaying hip fracture surgery can increase a person's risk of death. The report notes that it will take an investment in a range of health services to maintain the kind of care required. That includes increased and coordinated home care, rehabilitation, long-term care and primary care. Dale said hospitals are proud of their efficiency, 'but you can't count on continuing to harvest significant efficiencies from the hospital sector. We need to turn the page.' Without change, he said, 'the system will find it harder and harder to meet the full needs of the population that expects access to care. Let's stop focusing on a single-minded obsession with efficiency. We have to look at this in a different way'. That includes more funding for innovation as well as giving hospitals a better long-range picture of how big their budgets will be. Additional hospital beds and staffing support will help hospitals, the report says. 'However, what will shape the health system to meet future needs is further investment in research and innovation to change the way hospitals work. It's a necessary next step toward adaptability and to ensure the delivery of both efficient and high-quality care to Ontario's growing and aging communities.' Join us! The Ottawa Citizen is hosting an exclusive food and beverage tasting event where you can try bites from some of the city's best restaurants and sample beverages from breweries and wineries. Meet the chefs and try their signature dishes with members of the Citizen news team. Learn more about Ottawa Citizen Best Restaurants and buy a ticket here. Related Egli: Two nights in hospital showed me we need to do better for our health-care system 'A tax on sick people': Ottawa hospitals have record-breaking year for parking revenue
Cision Canada
7 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Nation-leading hospital efficiency freed up billions for Ontario for years, but further gains are unrealistic
TORONTO, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ - The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) today released the third edition of Ontario Hospitals – Leaders in Efficiency, a report detailing the nation-leading efficiency of Ontario's hospitals. Unfortunately, further gains using traditional approaches are no longer realistic due to enormous demand for services from a growing and aging population and, like all other parts of the economy, rising pressures on costs. "When it comes to efficiency, Ontario's hospitals continue to lead the country. Ontario spends $1,935 per person on hospitals, the lowest in Canada, while ensuring access to high quality services for millions of patients every year," said Anthony Dale, President and CEO of the OHA. "While the degree of efficiency achieved over the years has been remarkable, it's clear that addressing the challenges of the future will require further capacity planning and long-term investments in technological and clinical innovation, rather than relying on traditional ideas and approaches." As reflected in this year's annual efficiency dividend, if Ontario spent the average rate per capita on hospitals as all other provinces, the additional cost to the province would be $4.4 billion. Ontario is unique in Canada – only here do independent boards, made of local volunteer community leaders, have accountability for hospital governance and oversight. This local governance and prudent stewardship enabled hospitals to remain resilient for many years by focusing on cost containment while serving their local communities and regions, despite capacity challenges within the hospital sector and across the health services continuum. For years, this freed up billions of dollars each year for the provincial government to invest in other public services and programs that benefit Ontarians. However, Ontario hospitals are facing very significant financial challenges today and the underlying financial position of the sector is under considerable pressure. Demand for health care is rising. Not only has Canada's population rapidly grown in recent years, but as confirmed in last year's release of the Patterns of Illness Report by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Ontarians will live longer with chronic disease. Many people will have multiple illnesses and there are rising rates of illness across all age groups. "Hospitals today are doing everything they can to ensure that the taxpayers' dollars are spent effectively. But we're looking at rising demands, various cost pressures, aging infrastructure and changing population demographics that are expected to intensify in the coming years," Dale said. "Just as we're adapting our economy in the face of trade conflicts and a changing world, we need to prioritize health care as one of our competitive advantages. Technical and clinical innovation within health care will also become increasingly important. Continuous improvement efforts have resulted in Ontario achieving the second lowest hospitalization rate, the lowest average length of stay in acute care hospitals, and the lowest cost of an inpatient stay among all provinces. Building on this track record of operational excellence will require thoughtful planning to expand hospital capacity where needed, ongoing investment in broader system capacity and innovative approaches that shape the future of health care in Ontario. Ontario Hospital Association Established in 1924, the OHA serves as the voice of the province's public hospitals, supporting them through advocacy, knowledge translation and member engagement, labour relations, and data and analytics with the goal of helping hospitals build a better health system. The OHA is also attuned to the broader strategic questions facing the future of the province's health care system and we work to ensure Ontario's hospitals have a voice in shaping this longer-term vision.
Observer
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Al Balushi named as Indoor handball team coach
MUSCAT, JULY 13 MUSCAT:The Oman Handball Association (OHA) announced during a board meeting took place on Sunday and chaired by Chairman Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, appointment of Nabil bin Hassan al Balushi as national head coach of the senior men's indoor handball team. The decision came as part of the Association's preparations for the Asian Men's Handball Championship which is set to be held in Kuwait in January 2026 and will also serve as the qualifier for the 2026 IHF World Championship in Germany. Nabil al Balushi previously served as assistant coach under Algerian Coach Mourad Bouzbet during the 2022 edition of the Asian Championship in Saudi Arabia. His promotion to head coach reflects OHA's strategy to elevate local technical talent and entrust national teams to experienced Omani professionals. The board has also granted Al Balushi the authority to appoint his own assistant coaching staff, providing him with the flexibility to form a strong technical staff capable of leading Oman to success in upcoming regional and international challenges. In addition to the coaching appointment, the OHF announced the following key support roles for the senior team. Anwar bin Mohammed al Balushi named as Director of National Indoor Handball Teams while Ahmed al Jassasi assigned as Team Manager. These appointments aim to ensure a fully integrated and well-structured technical and administrative setup for the national team's upcoming campaigns. The board also confirmed the continuity of the current technical staff for the Oman U-19 Indoor Handball Team, led by head coach Yahya al Maashari and assistant coach Hassan al Maamari. Ahmed al Jassasi will also continue as team manager in this category. This move inline to maintain technical and administrative stability within the youth setup and continue nurturing a competitive generation of players. The team's major upcoming assignment is participation in the third Asian Youth Games, scheduled to take place in Bahrain from October 22 to 31.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health advisory issued for Newport's Nye Beach on Oregon Coast due to fecal bacteria
A health advisory has been issued for Newport's Nye Beach warning people to avoid contact with the water due to "unsafe levels of fecal bacteria," according to the Oregon Health Authority. Nye Beach is a popular spot in downtown Newport south of Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. "Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses," OHA said in a news release. "Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria." Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean, officials said. "Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources," OHA said. Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including: Stormwater runoff Sewer overflows Failing septic systems Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted. While this advisory is in effect at Nye Beach, state officials encouraged other recreational activities on the beach and noted that they "pose no health risk even during an advisory," OHA said. For the most recent information on advisories, go to the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free). Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 18 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at zurness@ or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors and BlueSky at This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Health advisory issued for Newport's Nye Beach on Oregon Coast
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fecal bacteria health advisory lifted at Nye Beach on Oregon Coast
The Oregon Health Authority on July 9 lifted the health advisory for Nye Beach in Lincoln County. The health advisory was issued July 2 due to fecal bacteria in ocean waters. Follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality showed lower bacteria levels that no longer pose a higher-than-normal risk, according to the Oregon Health Authority. 'Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter,' OHA said. For more information, go to the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767. Mariah Johnston is an outdoors journalism intern at the Statesman Journal. Reach her at mjohnston@ This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Fecal bacteria health advisory lifted at Nye Beach on Oregon Coast
