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Is Our Healthcare System Flatlining? TVO panel
Posted: March 27, 2025
(March 26, 2025)
By: Nam Kiwanuka, TVO
Our healthcare system is on life support as the doctor shortage intensifies in Ontario – especially in Northern and rural parts of the province. ER closures are becoming more frequent, hospitals are overwhelmed, and patients, especially in rural areas, are facing life-threatening wait times. In this full episode of The Thread with Nam Kiwanuka, we explore the critical question: Is our healthcare system flatlining?
Jennifer Pine from Wawa shares her harrowing experience of waiting a year for urgent care, only to face life-threatening complications. Her story highlights the dire situation in Northern Ontario, where access to healthcare is severely limited. Dr. Mike Cotterill, a dedicated family physician of nearly 30 years, expresses his concerns about the future of healthcare in his community if he and his wife retire, leaving just one full-time doctor instead of the seven needed. The strain on healthcare workers is immense, with many working around the clock to prevent lives from being lost.
Could AI hold a key to a potential solution? We visit St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, where AI systems are already proving their capability to save lives. These cutting-edge technologies are helping to reduce the burden on healthcare workers and improve patient outcomes. AI tools like Scribe and CHARTWatch are making a significant impact by streamlining administrative tasks and identifying patients who need urgent care. This innovative technology could be the lifeline our ailing healthcare system needs, especially in the hardest-hit rural communities.
The episode also delves into the role of locums, or temporary doctors, who are now an essential part of the healthcare system. Locums provide critical relief in areas with severe doctor shortages, ensuring that emergency departments remain operational and patients receive the care they need. However, relying on locums is not a long-term solution, and the need for permanent healthcare professionals remains urgent.
The episode highlights the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare reform to address the doctor shortage, ER closures, and the overall strain on our healthcare system. We discuss potential solutions, including the integration of AI technology, increased support for healthcare workers, and policy changes to ensure better access to medical care for all Ontarians.
Join The Thread with Nam Kiwanuka as we navigate the complexities of Ontario’s healthcare crisis and explore the steps needed to ensure a healthier future for our communities. Stay engaged with the conversation here and online, and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in our healthcare system.
