MOHLTC - News Release - McGuinty Government Increases Access to Long-Term Care Beds in Kingston

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McGuinty Government Increases Access to Long-Term Care Beds in Kingston

160 New Long-Term Care Beds to be Developed by Extendicare Canada

May 23, 2007

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is awarding a total of 160 new long-term care home beds in Kingston to Extendicare Canada 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 Kingston, mean residents will have access to a higher quality of life in a new, home-like environment.”

Construction of the beds is scheduled to begin May 2008 and to be completed in November 2009.

“We are committed to providing access to quality health care for the residents of Kingston,” said John Gerretsen, MPP for Kingston and The Islands. “This investment will strengthen our health care system and our community by bringing comfort to those who will have increased access to long-term care close to their family and friends.”

“We are delighted the government is moving forward with this new investment to enrich our community and make life easier for residents,” said Georgina Thompson, Chair of the South East Local Health Integration Network.

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:

Adding 1,750 new beds and replacing 662 beds in the following communities : South Niagara, South Simcoe, Guelph, London, Windsor, Hastings, Kingston, Ottawa, Sudbury and Thunder Bay
Putting 4,912 new long-term care beds into operation since April 2004
Funding long-term care homes to hire almost 4,900 new direct care staff, including 1,101 nurses since 2004
Announcing an investment of $57.7 million in annual funding to create 1,200 additional positions for Registered Practical Nurses in long-term care homes across the province.

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 media :

Jeff Rohrer, 416-326-8016
Minister's Office

David Jensen, 416-314-6197
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

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



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