Press Release
Ombudsman now has the power to investigate Cambridge Memorial Hospital
TORONTO (September 4, 2009) – Ontario Ombudsman André Marin now has the jurisdiction to investigate complaints about Cambridge Memorial Hospital, following the provincial government’s appointment of a supervisor for the institution.
As announced by Health and Long-Term Care Minister David Caplan, Mr. Murray Martin has been appointed as the hospital’s supervisor, reporting directly to the Minister.
While normally the Ombudsman does not have jurisdiction over hospitals in Ontario, that changes when the government takes direct control, since the Ombudsman does have jurisdiction over the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Ontario is the only province in Canada whose Ombudsman does not have a mandate to oversee hospitals or long-term care homes. Despite this, the Ombudsman’s office receives many serious complaints about these facilities every year that cannot be investigated. A total of 532 complaints about hospitals and long-term care facilities were received in fiscal 2008-2009.
Complaints about Cambridge Memorial Hospital or any provincial government service or agency may be made to the Ombudsman’s Office at 1-800-263-1830, or via the online complaint form available at /en/make-a-complaint/complaint-form.aspx.
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For further information, contact:
Linda Williamson
Director of Communications
Tel: 416-586-3426
lwilliamson@ombudsman.on.ca
Elena Yunusov
Communications Officer
Tel: 416-586-3521
eyunusov@ombudsman.on.ca
Sara McMillen
Communications Officer
Tel: 416-646-8008
smcmillen@ombudsman.on.ca
