October 23, 2017

Province Boosting Access to Care and Reducing Wait Times

Ontario is making over 2,000 additional beds and spaces available this year to improve access to care for patients and families, and reduce wait times in hospitals, at home and in the community.

Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, was at Sinai Health System today to announce the investment, which includes making more than 1,200 additional hospital beds available across Ontario. This funding comes as hospitals are preparing for an annual increase in demand due to the approaching flu season.

The province will also help patients continue to get the care they need as they transition from hospital to home by:

• Providing 207 affordable housing units for seniors who need additional community supports when they are discharged from hospital.
• Creating 503 transitional care spaces outside of hospital for up to 1,700 patients who don’t require care in a hospital.
• Reopening 150 beds at Humber River Hospital’s former Finch site and 75 beds at University Health Network’s former Hillcrest site to provide care for those transitioning out of hospital.

With the flu season approaching, the province is also encouraging people in Ontario to get the free flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against the most common flu viruses expected this season. The vaccine is available starting this week at health care provider offices, local public health units or at participating pharmacies across the province.

Ontario is increasing access to care, reducing wait times and improving the patient experience through its Patients First Action Plan for Health Care and OHIP+: Children and Youth Pharmacare – protecting health care today and into the future.

QUICK FACTS Ontario is providing $140 million to make more hospital beds available and enhance home care services. This investment includes $100 million for hospitals to address increased demands for care, and $40 million for post-hospital and preventative care at home. In the 2017 budget, Ontario committed $24 million to ensure patients are receiving care in the right place. As part of this commitment, the province will provide $21 million to fund 22 projects for short-term, transitional care, and $3 million to help seniors in hospital who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless with permanent housing and community support. Since 2003, Ontario has more than doubled its investment in home care. The flu vaccine is free to anyone over the age of six months who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario from a primary care provider or local public health clinic. The flu shot is also available at participating pharmacies for those five years of age and older.

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Additional 2,000 Patient Beds and Spaces Across Ontario

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care Home and Community Care Find where to get a flu shot Flu shot safety Kids and the flu

Press release was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.