Largest expansion of CHCs promised as Ontario succumbs to pressure. (Health).

TORONTO -- "The largest expansion of CHCs (community health centres) in the history of the province," was promised by Mike McCarthy, a senior policy adviser to Ontario Health Minister Tony Clement. The statement was made before 150 represenatives of the CHCs gathered at a meeting in which Association of Ontario Health Centres launched a campaign to gain recognition by the province and to be included in its primary care reforms."

Community health centres have criticized the government

* for recognizing only physician-focussed family health networks in reforms,

* for imposing a 10-year wage freeze on those who work at CHCs, and

* for ignoring the 104 communities that have asked the province for permission to set up CHCs.

According the Association, a government-commissioned review of the centres determined they are effective at keeping costs under control. However, the government delayed publication of the report.

Opposition politicians charged that the government was downplaying the success of the centres because they are not in keeping with reform plans by the Conservatives and the Ontario Medical Association. The province and the OMA are trying to create "family health networks". To date, less than 4 per cent of eligible doctors have agreed to participate in family health networks.

McCarthy insisted the government values community health centres and will prove it in next year's budget. "The government is committed to improving CHCs. Keep your powder dry as "we work together to provide solutions." Details on the amount of funding and what it can specifically be used for will be announced by Premier Ernie Eves and Clement.

Ontario has 56 community health centres who employ doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists, social workers and other health-care professionals. Many are open around the clock.