For Immediate Release

October 21, 2005

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT REDUCING WAIT TIMES AND IMPROVING CARE IN KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is reducing the wait time for key health services in Kingston and The Islands by investing $3,147,459 for critical cancer radiation equipment and new and more efficient diagnostic equipment, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

“We are taking action to ensure that patients do not have to wait for long periods of time to be diagnosed and treated,” Gerretsen said. “We are improving the health and quality of life for people in the Kingston Region.”

The funding announced today includes:

· $1,793,000 to the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario to replace and upgrade radiation therapy equipment to treat people with cancer more quickly

· $639,459 to the Kingston General Hospital replace diagnostic equipment (such as dialysis machines, ventilators and patient beds) in hospitals undergoing capital redevelopment

· $715,000 to Kingston General Hospital to implement a new digital       imaging system to improve access to specialized care for children.

This funding is part of $74.8 million being invested provincewide by the government to improve access to key procedures by replacing old equipment with more efficient new machines, and by introducing more efficient medical technology.

“People suffering serious health problems will have better access to the services they need as a result of the investment we’re making today,” Smitherman said. “We are talking about shorter wait times, and we’re talking about better care.”

Since taking office, the government has invested more than $530 million for the replacement of cancer radiation and cardiac equipment, MRI/CT scanners and other diagnostic equipment, in order to reduce wait times for these services.

This funding is also being used to provide hospitals and long-term care homes with equipment that improves resident care and comfort. For example, we’ve invested $114 million in patient and nurse safety equipment, including bed lifts, making life better for patients and residents and for those who care for them.

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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