Cynthia Martineau was let go after Ontario Health atHome faced critical supply issues
Ontario: So, here’s the scoop. Cynthia Martineau, the head of Ontario Health atHome, just got the boot. Why? Well, the agency couldn’t keep up with the demand for medical supplies, especially for home and palliative care.
Apparently, things started going downhill last fall when they struggled to fulfill orders. A government source confirmed her departure, and the agency made it official with a statement.
They said they know how crucial home care is for families and are working to fix the issues. Martineau’s LinkedIn now says she’s looking for new opportunities, which is a nice way of saying she’s out of a job.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles thinks the Ford government should own up to the mess, not just Martineau. She’s been vocal about the problems families have faced, and it seems like the government has been slow to act.
Ontario Health atHome is supposed to coordinate medical supplies for people needing care at home, especially those nearing the end of life. But after some contract changes last year, they started dropping the ball.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones called the delays “unacceptable” and promised to reimburse those who had to buy supplies themselves. She reassured everyone that they were on top of the situation, but it’s clear there were some serious hiccups.
The trouble began when new supply contracts were signed in September 2024. The agency was set up by the Ford government to improve home care, but it’s been a rocky start.
One of the companies involved, Bayshore Specialty Rx, admitted they faced several challenges that led to the shortages. They apologized and promised to get back on track to provide the care patients need.
