You can’t take politics out of the health care system, which would suggest that George Smitherman gets some latitude in his public commentary, as do all politicians. Who takes politicians comments at face value? At some point, however, the gamesmanship and negotiation-style posturing will get in the way of achieving a sustainable system. This position receives support from Dr. Yoel Abells in his column in today’s National Post. Dr. Abells rightly scolds Minister Smitherman for using a confrontational approach to negotiating funding with hospitals. The basis for the criticism is that the Minister is picking fights that the LHINs—the funding messengers—are going to have to finish.

NOTE: If you are asking, “What’s a LHIN?” as many a layperson will, visit www.lhins.on.ca for details on the newish player in Ontario health care.

I wish that more people shared Dr. Abells’ perspective; he is in the community and in a hospital. He also takes enough interest in the solution to share his views with the public. I think that his arguments are valid, but I believe that assigning blame defeats the purpose of any health care reform.

Previously, I have written about the movie Apollo 13 (here): is there any clearer example of necessity mothering invention? Ed Harris’ statement “Failure is not an option” is taken as gospel. This type of collaboration (us and us; not us vs. them) fosters true innovation. Making the most of the available resources gets beyond the status quo gamesmanship whereby hospitals grumble in March about under funding only to be topped-up in April for by a government looking for political points.

The LHINs are at the front lines of reform. Granted, posturing from the Minister and his office doesn’t help the situation, nor do tactics from hospitals. Both will have to reach across the fence for things to work for the long term. Time will tell if the LHINs gain enough credibility to broker these handshakes.

Tags: Tags: Health Care Reform, Hospitals, LHINs —

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