Quinte Health Care officials say a 6.1% base funding increase from the province, announced on Wednesday, is a long time coming.
MPP’s Todd Smith and Daryl Kramp made the announcement at Belleville General Hospital on Tuesday, with the added cash working out to about $9.67 million for this year and each year moving forward.
CEO Mary-Clare Egberts says the province has shown a commitment to fixing flaws in the annual funding formula for small and medium-sized hospitals.
MPP Smith echoed Egberts comments and says QHC staff have been working hard with the province over the years to stabilize the funding formula.
The province also announced a one-time commitment of $4.3 million towards Intensive Care Unit upgrades at BGH, which would expand capacity there from 14 beds, up to 18.
Smith says that project is crucial to continuing to provide quality care to residents of the Bay of Quinte and Hastings-Prince Edward Areas.
QHC CEO Mary-Clare Egberts didn’t give an exact number on what the ICU renovation will costs, but says the Provincial Government “is paying a tremendous portion of that” and local hospital foundations will assist with the rest of the construction and equipment costs.
