QUEEN’S PARK – Oshawa MPP Jennifer French called on Premier Kathleen Wynne to address ballooning hospital wait times during question period on Monday.
French shared the story of Steve Borders, an Oshawa man who injured his shoulder and has spent the past five months in relentless pain, but still hasn’t received a date for his surgery.
“Steve tore his rotator cuff in December, 2016 and has been waiting for care ever since,” said French. “He waited for an MRI. He waited to see a specialist. And he’s still waiting, five months later, to even confirm a date for his shoulder surgery.”
French quoted a letter from Steve’s wife Donna. “Steve has not been able to pick up his granddaughter and play with her, which is all he wishes to do,” Borders’ wife wrote. Her letter goes on to say: “He has been unable to do his everyday stuff like shovel the driveway and sidewalk, or even pull a t-shirt over his head.”
Steve’s injury and extended wait has also prevented him from returning to work.
“This shouldn’t be possible in Ontario, but it is happening all over the province,” said French. “Hospitals are at capacity. Patients are being treated in hallways. Wait times are out of control. Our health care system is frankly in shambles, and the premier is offering us a Band-Aid.”
“Is the premier okay with this being the reality of our health care system in Ontario?”