A report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives reveals that Ontario hospitals have spent $9.2 billion on for-profit staffing agencies over the past decade, reflecting the growing issues of staff shortages in public healthcare. Spending on temporary agency workers almost doubled, while hospital-employed staff growth remained minimal. The increased reliance on these agencies, necessitated by fiscal pressures and demographic changes, creates a cycle of dependency and exacerbates staffing challenges, leading to longer wait times and worsening patient care. Markham Stouffville Hospital aims to become 'agency free' by reducing its reliance on temporary staff.
"What we're seeing across the board with the use of private for profit providers is the public governments are paying an exorbitant amount and getting relatively little in return."
"Using private agencies becomes a 'vicious cycle,' as hospitals become dependent on these more expensive services while the staffing crisis in the public sector increases."
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