For Immediate Release
October 3, 2005
MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT IMPROVING ACCESS TO KEY HEALTH SERVICES IN KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS
Investing In $157,000 New Procedures To Reduce Wait Times And ImproveHealth Care
KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is reducing wait times and delivering better health care by funding more than 150 additional Cataract medical procedures at Hotel Dieu Hospital, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.
“Today’s commitment of 150 additional cataract procedures will go a long way to reduce wait times at the Hotel Dieu Hospital said Gerretsen. This investment is part of our government’s commitment to ensuring that Kingston and Ontario residents get better and faster access to the health services they require. “
Today’s announcement is supported by a $112,000 investment as part of an overall province-wide investment of $154 million to fund more procedures and services associated with a high degree of disease and disability. In Kingston, it will result in 150 more cataract surgeries.
The government is also providing $45,000 to the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Community Care Access Centre to meet the increased demand for in-home rehabilitation services, resulting from the government’s investments in more hip and knee total joint replacements.
“With cataract surgeries, funding more procedures is only part of the story,” Gerretsen said. “We are also increasing in-home rehabilitation care, so people can make a full and speedy transition to a more active and mobile life.”
“What we are doing is making sure people receive better access to life-changing medical procedures,” said Smitherman. “It means thousands more Ontarians will regain their mobility and independence, others will get their eyesight restored while still more will receive timely MRI exams so their doctors can make the best possible decisions about treatment.”
-30-
