Provinces invests $17M to support hospitals in North Simcoe

Hospital CEOs and MPP Jill Dunlop pictured. (Office of Jill Dunlop)

The province is investing more than $17 million to help operations and reduce wait times at hospitals in North Simcoe County.

Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop was joined by Health Minister Syvia Jones at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health for the announcement on Tuesday.

The money will be shared by Waypoint, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, and Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH).

In a statement, Dunlop says by supporting those facilities, the province is “helping these outstanding health-care providers meet growing demand and deliver timely, compassionate care closer to home.”

“This funding will strengthen health services for residents in Midland, Penetanguishene, Orillia, and communities across Simcoe County and the surrounding region, while supporting the dedicated frontline staff who care for patients every day,” she says.

“As summer travel and vacations begin, GBGH sees a population increase of over 150% within our catchment area,” says Matthew Lawson, President and CEO of GBGH.

“The funding recently allocated as part of Ontario Investing to Support Hospital Operations will allow us to better adapt during this busy season, as well as help cover annual inflationary pressures and a portion of growth pressures throughout the year,” he adds.

The province says the money will support its core clinical services so it can better meet patient needs.

This includes funding to help keep emergency departments open, support inflationary or other wage pressures and reduce wait times for diagnostic imaging and surgical procedures.