PERTH-WELLINGTON – Hospitals across Perth and Wellington counties will benefit from nearly $5.2 million in new funding, Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece announced on June 22.
According to the Ministry of Health, publicly funded hospitals across the province will see a minimum increase of one per cent. Hospitals in Perth and Wellington counties will receive two per cent or more.
Groves Memorial Community Hospital will receive $1,823,200 in new funding in 2021-22, an increase of 5.8 per cent to the $31,185,176 received in 2020-21.
North Wellington Health Care Corp will receive $615,000, an increase of 3.3 per cent to the $18,464,859 received in 2020-21.
St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital and Listowel Memorial Hospital will each see an increase in new funding of two per cent, receiving $169,300 and $315,900 in additional funding, respectively.
Stratford General Hospital will receive $2,279,300 in new funding, an increase of 3.1 per cent.
As part of the 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, the provincial government announced a total of $1.8 billion in additional investments for hospitals in 2021-22 to support hospitals and ensure patients can access high-quality care across the province.
Annualized funding
Thanks to a policy change introduced last year, small and medium sized hospitals continue to receive annualized funding.
“This funding will go a long way,” said Pettapiece.
“It will help deal with COVID-19 and all the demands on our local hospitals. It also demonstrates the province’s continued support for hospitals and healthcare workers. We are fortunate to have great local hospitals and staff providing excellent care.”
The funding will provide each hospital with increases to their operating budgets as well as targeted funding towards key priorities. This will include additional funds for priority services in eligible hospitals to cover increasing volumes related to cancer, renal, cardiac, neuro-services, and stroke, as well as hip and knee surgeries and MRI scans.
“This has been a demanding year,” Pettapiece added.
“As we come out of the pandemic, this funding will allow hospitals to begin ramping up routine medical procedures, while continuing to deal with COVID-19 cases. It will help build the capacity we need to help everyone who needs care.”
