It’s a new era at the Kincardine Hospital as it pertains to physiotherapy services.
PT Health starts today as the operator of the services at the hospital and that means outpatient services will have to be paid by the client.
PT Health is not recognized by OHIP.
The President & CEO of South Bruce Grey Health Centre Paul Davies says he’s well aware of the opposition to the move but the board feels of all the options they had, this seemed to have the least impact on the clients they serve.
Davies says the move has been made, not to deal with the current fiscal year where a small surplus is evident but to deal with financial cuts in the 2009-10 fiscal year which begins next April.
He says they already know what they’re getting from the province and with basic costs of salaries and energy, they’re behind the eight-ball.
Davies admits this new set-up is better than eliminating the service entirely at the hospital but it’s certainly not as good as it was before.
He says the quality remains but the accessibility is diminished for those looking for OHIP coverage.
Those outpatients wishing to continue treatments under OHIP either have to find a private clinic that OHIP recognizes or travel to the Chesley and Walkerton hospitals.
