McGuinty Government Invests in Newly Aligned CCACS
38 Additional Long Term Care Beds operational at Briargate

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is providing $1,297,800 to the South East CCAC to better serve their clients and increase access to local community care, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

As well, the South East CCAC comes from the alignment of provincial Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) to match the geographical boundaries of 14 Local Health Integration Network (LHINs) boundaries as part of the government’s ongoing plan to improve the way health care is managed.

“Linking the South East CCAC with the South East LHIN and our investment of $1,297,800 will make it easier for people in the Kingston community to find the health care services they need and to gain better access to those services,” said Gerretsen. “This alignment will not change the way residents receive health care services – they will still see the same case managers and health care staff.”

Today’s announcement is in addition to the recently opened 38 Long Term Care beds at Briargate Retirement Living Centre. The 38 beds are fully operational and will expand services to people who no longer need hospital care.

“The opening of these additional beds at Briargate will help alleviate some of the pressures experienced at KGH,” Gerretsen said. “Our government is taking the necessary steps to improve patient care by working with health care providers to ensure that people in our community receive quality long-term care close to their family and friends.”

Besides improving access, this alignment will improve how CCACs operate by improving the planning, coordination and accountability of health services. The Executive Director of South East CCAC is David Marshall and the Board Chair is John Hill.

The additional funding is part of an overall $30 million investment included in the government’s $142 million Emergency Department Action Plan to alleviate some of the pressure on hospital emergency departments. “Community investments such as these for CCACs will build capacity in the health care system to help it respond effectively and efficiently to patient needs,” said Smitherman.

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to build a health care system that delivers on three priorities – keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and improving access to doctors and nurses.

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For more information contact:
John Gerretsen, MPP
(613) 547-2385