Ontario’s budget that was tabled on Tuesday pledges $2 billion over three years to the home and community care sector as well as support for a new medical school at York University that would primarily focus on training family doctors.
President and CEO of Quinte Health, Stacey Daub, says the full impact of how the budget will impact their organization is yet to be seen.
“They’ve made a commitment for 4% with hospitals. We are very eager to have our organization and our four hospitals funded at the level of service that we’re providing right now,” Daub tells Quinte News.
“We have a lot of unfunded beds, and it is putting enormous pressure on the organization. So really looking forward to working with MPP Todd Smith and The Ministry of Health to see how that budget announcement will be able to support the organization to strengthen its ability to serve our community.”
Daub did say she was happy to see the government’s commitment for the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital was “front and centre” in the new budget.
As for the government’s commitment to the new medical school at York University, Daubs says there is a real primary care shortage in the region.
“I am extremely supportive of the idea that they’re purpose-building York University to graduate family doctors,” Daub says.
“So I’m hugely supportive and I know they’re going to take an interprofessional approach, which is great.”
With files from the Canadian Press
