A Declaration of Partnership and Commitment to Action. In Canada, most people die as the result of an advanced chronic disease. These illnesses include heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney failure and Alzheimer’s disease.
These diseases may run their course over many years – requiring extended care and support from family members and health care professionals. Yet despite this need, it has been estimated that only 16-30 per cent of Canadians have access to formal palliative care and support appropriate to their needs. Of these, most are cancer patients. This leaves a tremendous gap to fill in providing appropriate services and support for people who need care for advanced chronic illness.
It is in this context that the partners of this Declaration have come together to set forth a new vision and a new plan for palliative care in Ontario. Through this plan, we can provide better care for Ontarians at end of life while we better manage our health care resources over time.
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