Local hospitals in Perth and Wellington counties will be receiving additional funding from the province.
In a release on June 22nd, Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece shared that 5 hospitals in his riding will be splitting 5.2 million dollars in new funds provided through the provincial government's Protecting People's Health and Our Economy plan, which is part of the announced 2021 budget. Stratford General, Listowel Memorial, St. Marys Memorial, North Wellington Health Care Corp. and Groves Memorial Community Hospital are all splitting this funding.
The release states that this increase 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."
The Ministry of Health says publicly funded hospitals in Ontario will see a minimum increase of one percent for funding, while hospitals in Perth and Wellington counties will receive two percent or more.
“This funding will go a long way,” says 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,” Pettapiece adds. “This has been a demanding year. 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."
The funding breakdown is as follows: Hospital New Funding 2021-2022 Increase Stratford General Hospital $2,279,300 3.1% Listowel Memorial Hospital $315,900 2% St. Marys Memorial Hospital $169,300 2% North Wellington Health Care Corp $615,000 3.3% Groves Memorial Community Hospital $1,823,200 5.8% Total New Funding for Perth and Wellington Counties $5,202,700