Ontario Investing in Health Care in Leeds-Grenville

Nearly $8 million allocated for Land Ambulance Services and $180,000 for Admission Diversion at the Brockville General Hospital

NEWS                                                                                                November 10, 2022

[Brockville] — The Ontario government is investing nearly $764 million in the province’s annual Land Ambulance Service Grant (LASG) to help municipalities facing increased cost pressures in their emergency departments. As part of this funding, Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes will receive $7,967,934 to support the hiring of additional paramedics, wage and cost of living adjustments and general ambulance services operation to meet the needs of the local community.

The Ontario government is also providing $180,000 to the Brockville General Hospital for Admission Diversion services, as part of a one-time additional investment in Ontario Health totalling $64.1 million province-wide. This funding will facilitate improved home and community supports by leveraging existing community support services, and support patient flow from hospitals to more appropriate care settings.

“This funding clearly demonstrates our government’s commitment to strengthening health services here in Leeds-Grenville and across Ontario,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “These investments will protect and expand the critical health services Leeds-Grenville residents rely on and improve our local health system for the long term.”

Through the LASG, municipalities receive funding for 50 per cent of the costs for their land ambulance operations. This funding is part of the government’s commitment to building a modern, sustainable and connected emergency health system that supports every Ontarian on their health care journey. This also supports the government’s work on the Plan to Stay Open: Health System Stability and Recovery, to ease pressures on our health care system, hire more health care workers and providing the right care in the right place to Ontarians.

In addition, the Ontario government is also continuing to fund 100 per cent of costs for Central Ambulance Communications Centres (CACCs) to dispatch ambulances, helping to deliver equitable emergency health services to Ontarians across the province.

“It is critical that the people of Leeds and Grenville continue to receive the highest quality of paramedic services. We are pleased that the Province has once again provided 50% of the cost of this service.” – Roger Haley, Warden – The United Counties of Leeds & Grenville

“The City of Brockville greatly values and thanks the dedicated members of the Leeds and Grenville Paramedic Service who play such a vital role in the provision of healthcare in our community.  I’m grateful for the continued partnership of the Province in the funding of this vital program, and the additional support being provided to Brockville General Hospital for improving home and community supports. “ – Matt Wren, Mayor-Elect – City of Brockville

“We are extremely pleased with the announcement of our Land Ambulance Service Grant funding.  This helps to support the continued efforts being made by our paramedics in the response to COVID 19 as well as providing the stability required for our Paramedic Service to ensure we meet the needs of our communities moving forward.” – Jeff Carss, Chief, United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Paramedic Service Division

“Residents of Leeds Grenville expect the best health care and they want it close to home. Our interprofessional Early Intervention Outreach Team identifies appropriate patients and supports them to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. This allows Brockville General Hospital to provide care for more people in our community and to adapt to the growing pressures being felt by Ontario’s health system. Today’s investment by the Ontario government is an acknowledgement of the dedication and teamwork shown by our healthcare workers and community partners. Together, we are committed to caring for our friends, family and neighbours.”  – Nicholas Vlacholias, President and CEO – Brockville General Hospital

QUICK FACTS

  • In 2022, upper-tier municipalities and designated delivery agents are receiving nearly $764 million in funding from the government, representing an average increase of five per cent provincially compared to 2021 funding levels.
  • LASG funding is provided on a 50-50 cost share basis with UTMs and DDAs and is based on the previous year’s council-approved operating budgets. Municipalities and DDAs are responsible for determining the provision and costs of land ambulance services that meet the needs of their community, including appropriate staffing levels.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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Erin Merkley

erin.merkley@pc.ola.org

613-342-9522