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