Bluewater Health is getting a much needed $3.3-million funding boost from the province that should balance the books.
President and CEO Mike Lapaine expects the money will erase a $1-million deficit from the fiscal year that ended March 31 and $2-million in inflationary costs this year.
"It's not too much, but it definitely fills the gap," says Lapaine. "With this funding enhancement it does provide a measure of stability and we can really start focusing on what our core business really is and that's looking after our patients."
He says it's a relief for the hospital to not have to make any job cuts this year.
"There's always more needs. I'm hoping that this will help Bluewater Health and its management team and all of their staff and doctors and people right down the line," says Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, noting the funding is a good start to get the hospital back on its feet.
Over the past four years, Bluewater Health lost about $7-million in provincial funding and has cut 80 net positions.
There was a reduction of $2.5-million in the past fiscal year that ended March 31.
Sarnia-Lambton Health Coalition Chair Shirley Roebuck welcomes the funding boost but says there's a lot of catching up to do.
"I want hospital funding to be increased so that we can all enjoy local healthcare services which are competent, safe, and of high quality in our communities," she says. "I'm hoping that the provincial government will recognize that hospitals have to have a funding level which is restorative of previous years."
The $3.3-million is Bluewater Health's share of a healthcare funding increase of $345-million in this year's Ontario budget.
- With files from Josh Boyce.
