At a pre-budget consultation in Brampton on Jan. 19, the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) presented 29 recommendations to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.
RNAO estimates the recommendations could save the province millions while investing in the health of Ontarians.
One of our recommendations calls for better wound care practices. Investment in wound prevention and treatment today would save the government millions of dollars and stop hundreds of unnecessary amputations every year for people with diabetes and prevent needless suffering. Pressure relief (offloading) devices -- that cost anywhere between $100 and $1,500 per person -- are not funded by the government. The average cost of an amputation is about $74,000.
Other recommendations include better health promotion, affordable housing, raising the minimum wage, removing practice barriers so NPs can prescribe controlled substances and allowing RNs to write prescriptions to improve timely access to care.