April 14, 2023 at 1:01 pm
The additional infusion of provincial funding will help local hospitals pay on-call funding for doctors who work after hours.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers said the $3,215,962 in funding means patients will get the local hospital care they need in a timely manner.
After-hours funding for Gray Bruce Health Services increased by more than $96,896. All told, Owen Sound has access to a maximum of $2,356,948. Lions Head Hospital will provide $112,734. Hanover Hospital received an additional $218,013, which means they are eligible for up to $746,280 in grants.
“Grey Bruce Health Services is pleased to receive continued Hospital On Call Coverage (HOCC) program funding as it helps stabilize coverage needs,” said Gary Sims, President and CEO of Gray Bruce Health Services. “We welcome further negotiations to strengthen physicians’ commitment to the healthcare system.”
“This funding will provide tremendous support to our physicians and patients. We are delighted to have received additional funds that will be earmarked to support our physicians’ on-call efforts; Getting the care you need in the right place is critical,” said Dana Howes, president and CEO of Hanover Hospital.
All told, the province is providing earmarked funding for on-call doctors at about 100 acute hospitals, with the goal of providing more consistent after-hours care.
“Our government is making sure hospitals have the funding they need so their doctors can provide high-quality care at any time of the day or night,” Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Sylvia Jones said. “For patients attending hospitals across Ontario, this funding means they will get the care they need, when they need it.”