For Immediate Release                             

December 19, 2005

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT IMPROVING PATIENT CARE

IN KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is providing better access to better care in Kingston and The Islands by investing $2,223,350 for diagnostic and medical equipment, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

“With these investments our government is reducing wait times for important medical procedures, improving patient care and providing safer environments for our patients and health care workers, said Gerretsen.” Patients and heath care workers in Kingston will have better access to the services and equipment they need.”

The funding announced today is part of $83.5 million being invested province-wide to improve patient safety, reduce wait times and replace old equipment with updated machines. The funding includes:

Kingston General Hospital                                                     $ 1,725,000

Kingston General Hospital                                                     $    413,000

Frontenac County Land Ambulance Funding                            $    178,817

Providence Manor                                                                $      23,414

TrilliumCentre                                                                     $      17,921

Rideaucrest                                                                         $      16,380 Extendicare                                                                         $      14,453

North Kingston Community Centre                                        $      13,362

In addition to the investments for diagnostic equipment, Kingston General Hospital also received 21 new critical care bed lifts and 58 ceiling bed lifts. This investment is part of the Ontario Government’s commitment to improve patient safety by reducing their chance for injury while being moved, it will also reduce the risk of injury to healthcare workers.

“These investments will improve the quality of patient care, enhance patient safety and create better working environments for health care workers,” said Smitherman.  “They are part of our ongoing effort to reduce wait times and to ensure that all Ontarians receive the care they deserve.”

This funding is part of the federal Diagnostic and Medical Equipment Fund, which provided $198.3 million to the Ontario government in 2005-06.

Today’s investment is in addition to the $74.8 million announced in October of this year for cancer radiation and diagnostic equipment.  Additional funding for physician-based diagnostic assessment equipment will be allocated in the coming weeks.

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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