There will be an increase of funding to local hospitals from the Ontario government.
Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark says combined the Brockville General, Kemptville District and Perth & Smiths Falls District hospitals will receive nearly $12.4 million in additional funding for 2020/21.
Clark says the government has been clear that the health and well-being of Ontarians is their top priority.
“Today’s announcement is another step forward in helping to create a sustainable and connected health-care system that can meet the needs of our community. I’m so proud that our government is building on the historic investments we have made to improve patient care and support the amazing staff who deliver it in our local hospitals.”
Brockville General will receive $9.93 million, up 15.2-percent. Part of this funding will support the transitional and operational cost for the hospital’s expansion, according to Clark. Perth & Smiths Falls funding will be $2.129 million, up 5-percent. Kemptville District will see $323,500, up 2-percent.
Chair of the Board of Directors at BGH Jim Cooper says today’s 15-percent funding increase is a testament to the work of the heroes at BGH.
BGH says following a funding review of medium-sized hospitals in October, BGH received nearly $5.6 million, a portion reflected in today’s $9.93 million announcement.
In December, almost $1.9 million was invested into the building and infrastructure. BGH also says the province is investing over $153 million to see all hospital services provided on the Charles Street site through the capital redevelopment project.
Funds will be invested into frontline care, equipment and expansion of services and the hospital anticipates future and separate funding to support the increased costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
President and CEO of BGH Nick Vlacholias says the COVID-19 pandemic has upended our way of life and reaffirmed the importance of safe, accessible healthcare.