The Ontario government has announced funding that will create 448 long-term care spaces in the Elgin-Middlesex-London region.
Local MPP Jeff Yurek said on Thursday three new projects will result in 141 new and 307 upgraded beds at facilities in the surrounding area ensuring safe new spaces are ready for those needing them.
Extendicare Port Stanley will receive 68 new spaces and 60 upgraded spaces resulting in a 128-bed home through the construction of a new building.
St. Joseph’s Health Care London will also see a new building erected with 160 upgraded spaces for Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care. Once finished, the project will result in a 337-bed home.
Southbridge Chelsey Park, in London, will finish off with a 160 bed home with 73 new spaces and 87 upgraded spaces.
"The number of people in Elgin-Middlesex who will need long-term care is expected to rise over the next decade," said Yurek.
Yurek said the projects will help reduce waitlists and end hallway medicine. He added that the investments support government priorities, including eliminating three to four bed ward rooms while also providing new spaces for Indigenous, Francophone and other diverse residents.
Over the next 10 years, the province plans to spend $933 million upgrading 30,000 much-needed long-term care spaces, with 80 new projects that will lead to an additional 11,707 spaces.