Shortage of family doctors leads to unnecessary ER visits

Listen to Tamara Baluja's report.

More than 118,000 ER visits could be avoided if more patients have access to family doctors. The Ontario Medical Association sponsored a new study that has found that investing in primary healthcare will cost the health system less, reduce visits to ER and reduce wait times.

15% of Ontarians with chronic diseases receive less care than they need. Senior Scientist, Dr.Rick Glazier says this is expected to worsen as the population ages.

OMA President Ken Arnold says they are making inroads in closing the shortage of doctors, but if this shortage of doctors isn't addressed, Arnold says its just going to get worse.

Ontario Medical Association President Ken Arnold says these results are a wake-up call, which governments and hospitals both need to look at.