August 27, 2007

OTTAWA – The McGuinty government is awarding a total of 96 new long-term care home beds to South Ottawa to increase access to quality long-term care health services, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"Our government is working hard to meet the needs of communities that are experiencing long-term care pressures," said Smitherman. "These new beds, awarded in South Ottawa, mean residents will have access to a higher quality of life in a new, home-like environment."

The $7.2 million investment will allow the construction of 96 new beds to open by the end of 2010 as an addition to St. Patrick's Home.

"We are delighted the government is moving forward," said Dr. Robert Cushman, CEO of the Champlain Local Health Integration Network. "This new investment will provide more options for seniors and their families in our community. It will also reduce pressures on hospital beds."

This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in improving the quality of life for long-term care residents. Other initiatives include :

• Providing residents with more nutritious food by increasing the daily raw food allowance to $7.00, effective September 1, 2007;
• Funding 6,100 new front-line staff, including 2,300 nurses;
• Redeveloping 35,000 older long-term care beds over the next 10 years to ensure equitable access to quality long-term care home accommodation.

Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities – keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

For further information :

Members of the general public :
416-327-4327, or 1-866-532-3161

© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2007  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimers  |   Last Modified :