The staff at One Kid’s Place Children’s Treatment Centre acknowledge that health care wait times can be frustrating.
“Depending on what therapy you are seeking, in essence, the times are a little different,” said Brenda Loubert, the child care centre’s executive.
“But they are significant, certainly.”
In the last year, One Kids Place has provided care to 3,200 people at the centre’s locations in North Bay, Huntsville, Parry Sound Kirkland Lake and New Liskeard.
“It’s about resources, labour resources and administration on how do we get kids through the system faster so that they can be diagnosed and receive the treatment that they deserve,” said board chair Corina Moore.
Looking to knock these wait times down, the Ford government spending $1.1 million to expand pediatric health services in the North Bay area.
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli was flanked by Ontario Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health Dawn Gallagher Murphy and Ontario Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Nolan Quinn as they toured the children’s treatment centre Thursday morning.
Most of the money will be used to increase access to children’s rehabilitation services, including speech-language pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy at One Kids Place and at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
Early treatment is vital
“We need to be able to shorten those wait times. Early access to treatment makes a big difference and realistically it’s all about the children,” said Quinn.
The hospital will receive almost $73,000 and the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is receiving just shy of $12,000. The money there will enhance support for children and youth after receiving surgery, including providing pediatric mental health training for staff.
The money is part of a previously announced province-wide $330 million top-up of additional annual funding made in July.
“This is all part of our strategy. Of course, as the future needs are required, we will look at future needs,” Gallagher Murphy added.
“But right now, we’re very proud of this $330 million in additional funding. This investment will make it easier and faster for young people in North Bay and Muskoka to connect to the care they need closer to home.”
The One Kids Place board has approved a wait time strategy in its strategic plan. The government says having access to staff, resources and technology will better improve access to pediatric care.
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“All of the funding that we get usually goes towards reducing the wait times. Through this intake process, we’re going to continue to advocate for the correct amount of funding,” Moore said.
Staff at the child care centre estimate they provide about 100,000 hours of care each year to clients and their families.
