Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli announced Friday that more funding will be provided to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice in North Bay.
Fedeli says the Ontario government is moving forward with plans to provide an additional $800,000 in capital funding to increase the proposed number of beds at the facility from six to 10.
Ontario's Finance Minister also announced the government will be providing an additional $1 million annually to help with operating costs.
This follows the $1.5 million investment from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Fedeli announced in August.
“Building new hospice beds across Ontario will provide people with end-of-life care and supportin a more comfortable setting,” said Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Christine Elliott.
The minister says this funding will help open up more beds in hospital.
“With early investments like these, our government is ensuring that these patients are provided with the proper comfort, dignity and respect they deserve. This will also help to make more beds available for those who need hospital care. Our government is moving forward quickly to address challenges facing the health care system as we develop our long-term transformational health care strategy.” said Elliot.
Hospice care provides patients compassionate and comfortable end-of-life care and focuses on relieving suffering and providing services like psychological, spiritual and bereavement support.
Quick Facts
- Ontario is investing nearly $33.6 million to build 193 new hospice beds across the province.
- When these beds open, the government will provide $20.3 million each year in operational funding for nursing, personal support, and other services.
- The government is supporting an additional 6,000 new long-term care beds – the first wave of more than 15,000 new long-term care beds being added in the next five years.
- Ontario is investing an additional $90 million in 2018-19 to build 1,100 beds and spaces in hospitals and the community, including 640 new beds and spaces.
