Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins has unveiled the first phase of the province's plan to modernize home and community care.
Hoskins says the Patients First plan will expand home care services and give clients and caregivers funds to hire their own provider or purchase services from a provider of their choice.
The self-directed program is to begin over the next two years.
Hoskins also says the province will add 80,000 hours of nursing care.
Lori Marshall, CEO of the Erie-St. Clair Community Care Access Centre, says it's good news for both nurses and patients.
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The liberal government has committed to increase funding for home and community care by more than $750-million over the next three years.
(With files from the Canadian Press)