For Immediate Release                                                           

October 4, 2005

McGUINTY GOVERNMENT EXPANDING END-OF-LIFE CARE SERVICES IN KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS

Investing $610,400 To Ensure More People Receive Care That They Need

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is investing $610,400 so that more people in Kingston and The Islands who are near the end of their life can receive the care they need this year, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

“With this investment our local health agencies will be able to give better hospice care and health services to people who are in the last stages of life, while providing support for their loved ones, said Gerretsen.” “Our government recognizes the importance of providing end-of-life care services that offer compassion and dignity for people on how they live out their remaining days.“

The funding includes $417,900 to the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Community Care Access Centre to provide better access to coordinated, integrated end-of-life care services and more and better care, including enhanced levels of nursing and personal support services at home and in residential hospices. 

The government is also providing $192,500 to community support services in the Kingston community including volunteer hospice services to strengthen the role of volunteers who help people with life-threatening illnesses live as comfortably and fully as possible.

The funding breakdown is as follows:

Kingston Community Care Access Centre                                   $417,900

Queen’s University, Faculty of Health Sciences                            $  92,000

Providence Continuing Care Centre, St. Paul de Vincent Site        $  62,500

Hospice Kingston                                                                      $  26,000

Providence Continuing Care Centre                                            $  12,000

The funding announced today is part of the three-year, $115.5 million investment being made province-wide by the government to help an additional 6,000 Ontarians per year by 2007-08.

“People who are terminally ill should have the opportunity to live out their days in the comfort of their home or community near to family or friends, rather than in hospital,” Smitherman said.

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to expand community-based health care and relieve pressure on hospitals and improve health outcomes.