The Ontario government has announced an additional investment of $5.7 million in three hospital networks in southwestern Ontario. The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Four Counties Health Services, and Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital will receive this funding to enhance access to care, including emergency department services, trauma care, pediatrics, medicine, obstetrics, cancer care, and hospital-based mental health services.
This funding is part of the Ontario government’s commitment to investing an extra $850 million this year, ensuring a minimum two percent funding increase for all public hospitals in the province. This initiative is part of their Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, aiming to improve healthcare services across Ontario.
Additionally, the Ontario government will provide a one-time investment of $22 million to establish a Small and Northern Hospital Stabilization Fund. This fund aims to support small and northern hospitals, alleviating the pressures they face and contributing to the building of a robust and resilient health system.
Monte McNaughton, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, emphasized the significance of community hospitals in southwestern Ontario, stating that this investment will ensure families have access to fast and reliable healthcare when and where they need it.
Increased Allocations:
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance: $4,180,300
Four Counties Health Services: $201,000
Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital: $1,140,200
written by: C. Soares