Ontario Provides Over $9 Million Funding Boost to Waterloo Region Hospitals
Today, Kitchener-South Hespeler MPP Amy Fee and Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris announced that Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital are receiving 2020-2021 funding increases from the provincial government.
Ontaro is investing an additional $9,156,400 in total funding for these hospitals to meet current and future demands for regular services. Specifically, $5,549,000, a 2.3% increase, is allocated to Grand River Hospital and $3,607,400, a 2.6% increase, to St. Mary’s General Hospital.
Joint Statement from MPP Amy Fee and MPP Mike Harris:
“This funding increase is a fantastic commitment towards the sustainability and growth of our world-class local hospitals from the Ontario government and Premier Doug Ford. As frontline staff at Grand River and St. Mary’s continue their heroic efforts to combat COVID-19, this news demonstrates that Ontario supports them and will make sure that our health system emerges stronger and more connected following this crisis.”
Statement from St. Mary’s General Hospital President Lee Fairclough:
“These investments are great news for St. Mary’s and for the communities we serve. They come at a really important time for our hospital as we face increasing pressure for service given the rapid growth in the region. We look forward to using this funding to ensure we continue to provide high quality, compassionate care.”
Statement from Grand River Hospital CEO Ron Gagnon:
“Grand River Hospital appreciates the increase in funding we will receive this year from the provincial government. This funding will go toward helping us ensure we have the equipment, staff and resources we need to uphold our commitment to the community to provide timely, equitable care. Especially during times like these, we are reminded of the importance of appropriately-funded hospitals that allow us to serve our community and provide excellent care. We look forward to continuing to work with the government to plan for the care and resources our community needs today and future needs.”
Notes:
- On March 25, the Ontario government released Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, which included $935 million more in new investments for Ontario hospitals this year.
- As part of that funding, $594 million will support hospitals to meet current and future demands for regular services.
- This hospital investment takes into consideration incremental growth to support flexibility and ensuring all publicly funded hospitals receive a minimum of a 1% increase.
- To combat COVID-19, the Ontario government is also investing $341 million in hospitals to ensure their ongoing readiness to care for an increasing number of COVID-19 patients. This includes funding for up to 1,000 acute care beds, 500 critical care beds and assessment centres.
Media Contact:
Chad Dance, Office of MPP Amy Fee, 226-218-8769.
Matthew Stubbings, Office of MPP Mike Harris, 519-580-8291.