York Region hospitals cash in with prebudget announcement

YorkRegion.com
March 23, 2018
Simon Martin

Southlake Regional Health Centre is getting funding for 12 new adult mental health beds as part of the province’s increased investment in hospitals across Ontario as part of the 2018 budget

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Dr. Helena Jaczek, was joined by Newmarket-Aurora MPP Chris Ballard at Southlake to make the announcement and explain how the major increase in hospital funding will improve access to care, reduce wait times, address capacity issues and better meet the needs of Ontario’s changing population.

“We are committed to make sure hospitals like Southlake Regional Health Centre have the resources and supports they need to meet the needs of our growing and aging communities,” Jaczek said.

The project to add 12 new adult mental health beds includes a renovation of approximately 8,000 sq. ft of space and will include space for activity rooms, a patient lounge and interview rooms.

Southlake president and CEO Arden Krystal said the increased money from the province is desperately needed. Currently, the hospital’s mental health unit is at 114-per-cent capacity, she said, with seven people being treated in the emergency department.

In total, the province pledged an additional $8.7 million for Southlake in 2018-2019, which represents a 3.4-per-cent funding increase.

Ballard said the additional funding brings tangible benefits to people in the area, including an additional 144 cataract surgeries, 22 hip or knee replacement surgeries and 300 additional MRIs.

The announcement came as part of province’s pledge to increase investment in Ontario hospitals by $822 million, or 4.6 per cent, in 2018-19.

The province also announced an additional $10.1 million investment in Markham-Stouffville Hospital, or a 6.6-per-cent funding increase, that includes post-construction operating costs and transitional care spaces. Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill will see a $21.1 million influx, or 11.5-per-cent increase.

The increased funding across the province will help reduce wait times and expand access to procedures such as cardiac care, critical care, chemotherapy, treatment for strokes, hip and knew replacements, cataract surgeries and MRI scans, Jaczek said.

The Liberals are unveiling the budget March 28 ahead of the provincial election, set for June 7.