Kemptville District Hospital is one of a number of local facilities that will be receiving additional annual funding from the Ontario government. Local MPP, Steve Clark, commented on the extra funds which, in total, amounts to almost $12.4 million overall. Of this, KDH will be getting an extra $323,500 in 2020-2021, an increase of 2%. Brockville General Hospital has been allocated $9.93 million, up 15.2%, but it is noted that part of this funding will support the transitional and operational cost for the hospital’s expansion. Perth & Smiths Falls Hospital will get $2.129 million, up 5%.
Steve Clark commented that “Our government has been clear that the health and well-being of Ontarians is our top priority. Today’s announcement is another step forward in helping to create a sustainable and connected health-care system that can meet the needs of our community. I’m so proud that our government is building on the historic investments we have made to improve patient care and support the amazing staff who deliver it in our local hospitals.”
The provincial government has announced an Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, which will see Ontario invest $935 million more in hospitals this year, including $594 million to meet current and future demands for regular services.
Although the release of these funds states that they are “part of Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, Steve Clark noted that COVID-19 related funding is not included in today’s announcement, as hospitals will track and report expenses related to COVID-19 separately.
The extra funding was, of course, welcomed by KDH. Robert Morais, Chair, Kemptville District Hospital Board of Directors, noted that: “Steve Clark understands the importance of working together at all levels and functions within the health system. His continuing support of our funding and other needs at Queen’s Park is a key to providing the best possible results for our patients and families.”
The role Steve Clark played in bringing this extra funding to the area was noted by Frank Vassallo, CEO, Kemptville District Hospital: “We are grateful for MPP Steve Clark’s boundless efforts in assisting KDH to gain this funding. His tireless work on our behalf goes a long way in articulating our needs at Queen’s Park.”
