OTTAWA - Premier Dalton McGuinty says he can find ways to save on health care without making cuts to hospitals.

McGuinty says he's convinced there are non-intrusive ways to find savings, and is promising hands off schools and hospitals, even in the event of another downturn in the economy.

The Liberal leader, who has long maintained the Progressive Conservatives would close hospitals if they are elected Oct. 6, points to his government's fight with pharmacists over a plan to reduce the costs of generic drugs as one example of creative ways to score extra cash.

He also says that keeping seniors at home longer will save thousands -- money that can help offset increasing hospital budgets.

The Tories have pledged that if elected, they'll boost health care spending by $6.1 billion by the end of their four-year term.

McGuinty made the comments while touring the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the second hospital he visited in two days as his campaign shifts its focus from green energy jobs to health care.