FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 10, 2019
GRIMSBY — Across the province, there are more than 34,000 Ontarians waiting to get into a long-term care home, putting strain on the health care system and leaving residents waiting too long for the care they desperately need. The government is taking swift action and delivering on its commitment to end hallway health care by adding more long-term care beds in communities across Ontario.
Today, Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, was joined by Effie Triantafilopoulos, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care, MPPs Sam Oosterhoff, Toby Barrett, Will Bouma and Donna Skelly at Shalom Manor & Gardens in Grimsby to announce the government is allocating almost 1,000 new long-term care beds and upgrading almost 800 existing beds to modern design in Haldimand-Norfolk, Brant, Hamilton and Niagara. Of these, Fox Ridge Care Community in Brantford will be allocated 70 new beds and have 90 existing beds upgraded; Iroquois Lodge in Ohsweken will be allocated 14 new beds and have 60 existing beds upgraded as part of its redevelopment; and Bell Court Encompassed Care Unit in Brantford will be allocated 10 new beds.
“Our government is creating a 21st century long-term care system that is resident-centred and builds capacity and access for residents and caregivers across Ontario,” said Fullerton. “These new long-term care bed allocations are part of our government’s commitment to adding 15,000 long-term care beds over the next five years to give Ontarians the care they need, when they need it.”
These new beds will help take pressure off hospitals, allow doctors and nurses to work more efficiently and provide better, faster health care for Ontario families and patients.
“We made a promise to the people of Ontario to open 15,000 new long-term care beds over five years,” said MPP Bouma “I am proud to be a part of the government that is building these beds and strengthening our long-term care system.”
The government is continuing to work with our long-term care sector to ensure the system is responsive to the needs of Ontarians by increasing access and reducing waitlists, while also maintaining patient safety and ensuring high standards of care.
For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Adam Cotter
Office of the Minister of Long-Term Care
Adam.Cotter4@ontario.ca
David Jensen
Ministry of Long-Term Care
416-314-6197