"It was a timely opportunity to share perspectives on the issues and recommendations outlined in Mr. Romanow's report," said Minister Ballem. "The discussion also helped us to identify common ground in preparation for the Premiers' meeting with the Prime Minister in January to further negotiate funding and strategies identified in the report," he said.

All ministers agreed that Canadians have said clearly that medicare is vitally important to them; they are concerned about quality and access to health care, and they expect action from governments now to ensure that current and future needs are met.

Minister Ballem advised that all governments now have the information they need to begin a collaborative process to renew health care in Canada. "We all agree that to do so, we must bring about lasting and effective change, and this will require adequate, stable and predictable funding; a consistent and sustained commitment to change; collaboration between governments, partnership with providers, and engagement of citizens; accountability to Canadians; and respect for each government's jurisdiction and responsibilities," he said.

Minister Ballem said Prince Edward Island supports integrative strategies such as enhanced home care and community mental health services, because they meet people's primary health care needs and also relieve pressure on other parts of the system. "Access to good 24/7 primary care can both improve care for the individual as well as reduce visits to emergency rooms. Home palliative care meets people's preference to die at home and alleviates pressures on health facilities. Improving community mental health services allows people to live independently and reduces pressure on hospital services," he said.

Health ministers identified the following common priority areas to improve access to quality care: primary health care, home care, community mental health, healthy living, human resources, pharmaceuticals, aboriginal health, and medical diagnostic and other equipment.

Ministers Ballem suggested that to achieve lasting and effective change, work is also needed to improve service delivery and management tools such as: electronic health records and telehealth; information and reporting to Canadians; wait list management; technology assessment; utilization management, and research and information.

The minister advised that discussions will continue when Finance Ministers meet in mid-December, Health Ministers meet again in early January, and First Ministers meet early in the new year.