The Ontario government is investing over $10-million into hospitals in London and the surrounding area, in an effort to improve access to care and reduce wait times.
London North Centre MPP Deb Matthews was at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) on Friday to announce that a total of $10,761,200 in additional funding is being given to 18 hospitals in the South West region.
“I’m thrilled our government is putting patients first by increasing investments in our hospitals. We know how important health care is to Ontario families and this increase in funds will help patients continue to get the care they need when they need it,'" said Matthews in a media release.
LHSC will receive a total of $2,770,400, while St. Joseph’s Health Care in London will get $1,515,500 of the investment.
“London Health Sciences Centre welcomes today’s funding announcement. Providing both high-quality and timely access to health care is our top priority at LHSC, and this increased investment will help make a positive difference to our patients," said Murray Glendining, president and CEO at LHSC.
All Ontario public hospitals have now received a minimum 2% increase to their base funding this year. Additional funding has also been provided to hospitals to support population growth and changing health care needs in their respective communities.
The province's investment is part of the government's Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care.
“We are pleased the Ontario Government and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have recognized the changing health care needs of our community. Ontario hospitals continue to balance the timely care of patients while ensuring fiscal accountability. This announcement assists with hospital and inflationary costs as we provide much needed care to those we serve," said Dr. Gillian Kernaghan, president and CEO at St. Joseph’s Health Care.
Each hospital included in the investment received the following amount:
- London Health Sciences Centre: $2,770,400
- St. Joseph’s Health Care, London: $1,515,500
- St. Thomas - Elgin General Hospital: $976,400
- Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital: $430,100
- Wingham and District Hospital: $121,200
- Sydenham District Hospital: $107,300
- Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare: $48,400
- Leamington District Memorial Hospital: $1,595,100
- Bluewater Health: $524,100
- Windsor Regional Hospital: $1,518,300
- Alexandra Marine & General Hospital: $165,700
- Clinton Public Hospital: $93,500
- Four Counties Health Services Corporation: $ 84,400
- Seaforth Community Hospital: $70,200
- South Bruce Grey Health Centre: $305,500
- South Huron Hospital: $71,300
- The Public General Hospital Society of Chatham: $181,900
- St. Joseph’s Health Services Association of Chatham Inc: $181,900
