For Immediate Release

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT IMPROVING TREATMENT FOR ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURIES

$102,406 To Increase Support Services For Most Severely Injured in Kingston

KINGSTON — The McGuinty government is investing $5.6 million to help hundreds of Ontarians living with acquired brain injuries (ABI), including $102,406 in Kingston, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

“This investment is going to make a big difference to people who have sustained brain injuries,” said Smitherman. “166 people and their families will get the care they urgently need – access to day programs, independence training, supportive living and psychological services – and they will get those services where they need them, in their communities.”

The Providence Continuing Care Centre, Regional Brain Injury Service is one of 26 agencies across the province receiving funding through this investment. This local agency is part of the South Eastern Integration Network.

 “Today’s funding will go a long way to ensuring that patients and survivors of acquired brain injuries in Kingston will receive the best possible access to treatment closer to home,” said Gerretsen. “This investment continues to demonstrate our governments commitment to quality health care for Ontarians.”

Acquired brain injury means any injury to the brain that is not related to damage that occurred during birth, a congenital disorder or attributed to a degenerative disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care funds ABI community services for adults over the age of 16.

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to better integrate local health services and expand community-based care, in order to build a health care system that delivers on three priorities – keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.