May 23, 2007

TRENTON –The McGuinty government is awarding a total of 64 new long-term care home beds in Trenton 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 Trenton, mean residents will have access to a higher quality of life in a new, home-like environment.”  

Construction of 32 beds at Crown Ridge is scheduled to begin in November 2007 and be completed in December 2008. Construction of 32 beds at Trent Valley Lodge will begin in October 2007 and be completed in December 2008.

“Today’s announcement is wonderful and long-anticipated news for the people of Quinte West,” said Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland. “As development of these new long-term care beds is now cleared to begin, I am proud to say the McGuinty government saw the capacity issues in our community and has delivered a solution in a timely way that will benefit residents and their families for years to come.”

“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 general public :
416-327-4327, or 1-866-532-3161

BACKGROUNDERS

Improving Access to Health Care Services in South East Local Health Integration Network

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