Updates

Ontario announced plans to expand access for a range of minor surgeries including cataract removal, MRI and CT scanning, and knee and hip replacements to privately owned surgical or diagnostics clinics (these are called independent health facilities). The provincial government plans to invest C$18 million to expand provision in existing clinics for MRI and CT scans, ophthalmic surgeries, minimally invasive gynaecological surgeries, and plastic surgeries. They will also allow private clinics to provide joint replacements in 2024. While independent health facilities have played a minor role in diagnostics and surgical services under Ontario’s publicly funded health coverage program, this new funding increases their role. Professional bodies representing surgeons, physicians and nurses in Ontario have expressed concerns about the use of for-profit providers and about patient safety and continuity of care through increased reliance on independent surgical centres not linked to a hospital system.