MPP Todd Smith Announces Additional Funding for QHC
Province increasing funding for Quinte Health Care hospitals by over $5.8 million in 2021-2022
BANCROFT – Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte, announced today that Ontario will provide a 3.6-per-cent increase in operational funding for Quinte Health Care hospitals in 2021-2022 with an additional $5,898,700 in new investment above estimated base and one-time funding in 2020-2021.
The $169,960,095 in funding, which builds on increased investments over the past two years, is among $778 million across the province dedicated to meet current and future demands for service and it includes base funding and one-time allocations. Built into the allocations are monies recognizing growth in the hospital sector as well as targeted funding toward key Ministry of Health priorities. Funded initiatives include additional funding for priority services related to increasing volumes related to cancer, renal, cardiac, neuro-services, and stroke, as well as hip and knee surgeries and MRI scans.
“By providing annualized funding increases, our government is delivering Quinte Health Care the stability it requires to ensure high levels of service in each of its four hospitals to meet the health-care needs of our growing communities,” said Smith. “These investments not only address our commitment to end hallway health care, but they also support one of the biggest economic drivers in our region.”
Daryl Kramp, MPP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington, said the investments also recognize the importance of a strong hospital system as Ontario weathers the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The additional funding being announced today is partly due in recognition of the tremendous effort by Quinte Health Care over the past 16 months during the pandemic. It also will aid in helping resume full operations, including overcoming the many backlogs that have been incurred,” said Kramp. “We are proud to make this announcement at the North Hastings site emphasizing the important role that rural hospitals, such as this, play in providing compassionate care close to home.”
Stacey Daub, Quinte Health Care’s President and Chief Executive Officer, was pleased with the news.
“We are grateful for the investment in our community hospitals, and for the ongoing advocacy of our local MPPs Todd Smith and Daryl Kramp, who have been great champions for investing in, and strengthening, local health care,” said Daub. “This investment recognizes the unique role rural and medium-sized hospitals play in our communities and their importance to the health and wellness of the people we serve.”
The announcement was also well received in the local community, said Kim Bishop, the Chair of the North Hastings Fund Development Committee.
“This morning’s announcement, made at QHC North Hastings, is welcome news from the provincial government. For years, the funding of multi-site hospitals has been inadequate. This funding will allow health-care organizations like QHC to focus on sustainable care throughout the region. We are delighted the announcement is taking place in North Hastings, a clear indication North Hastings continues to remain a recognized, vital part of the health-care community that QHC serves,” said Bishop.
Smith indicated the funding announcement does not include allocations from the $1.2-billion commitment the Province made in March to help hospitals recover from COVID-19, including $696.6 million to cover historic working fund deficits and $572.3 million to address financial challenges driven by COVID-19, including direct costs and loss of revenue streams. Those allocations will be released later this year.
