The Ontario government is investing an extra $44 million to 165 high volume and smaller emergency departments this year to improve access to timely care and reduce wait times.
The funding supplements the annual $90 million already invested in EDs implementing innovative solutions to shorten wait times, such as hiring more healthcare staff, enhancing transportation for patient transfers, and creating new beds.
Hospitals have the flexibility to decide how to utilize this funding for local solutions. Prior to COVID-19, this funding led to a 12.2% decrease in average ED stay time. An additional $29 million will be invested in high volume EDs, and $15 million will support smaller hospitals catering to fewer than 30,000 patients annually, ensuring access to prompt emergency care for Ontarians.
Written by: K. Milhomens