Letter calls for urgent changes to Ontario Health’s Clinical Triage Protocol for Major Surge in COVID Pandemic

DABC, along with hundreds of other groups and individuals across Canada, recently signed an open letter to the government of Ontario, calling for urgent changes to Ontario Health’s Clinical Triage Protocol for Major Surge in COVID Pandemic. This Protocol sets out guidelines for how doctors may allocate life-saving resources, such as ventilators, if the healthcare system is overwhelmed and there is a shortage of those resources. DABC is concerned that the Protocol may mean that some people with disabilities will not get the same healthcare treatment that others receive. Although the Protocol is specific to Ontario, we are worried it may be copied in other provinces. We are now trying to find out if similar guidelines have been created in BC, and if so, what they will mean for British Columbians with disabilities. DABC will keep advocating to ensure any action taken by the government of BC is consistent with the recommendations in the open letter. If we receive any further information we will post updates on our blog and social media.

You can find the open letter to the government of Ontario at this website: https://archdisabilitylaw.ca/