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Modernizing Medical Equipment In Hospitals And Long-Term Care Homes
TORONTO, Feb. 9 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is improving patient care
and employee health and safety by investing in new and upgraded medical
equipment for hospitals and long-term care homes, Health and Long-Term Care
Minister George Smitherman announced today.
"Patients require the very best care possible, whether they are in
hospitals or long-term care homes," Smitherman said. "We are modernizing our
diagnostic and medical equipment to improve the care patients are receiving,
and also to reduce the time they have to wait to receive that care."
The government is investing a total of $340 million, including:
- $60 million for 11,000 mechanical patient lifts to improve patient
safety and working conditions for nurses and other health care workers
both in hospitals and long-term care homes
- $181.5 million to hospitals for diagnostic and medical equipment such
as X-ray and ultrasound machines and dialysis equipment
- $12.8 million for laboratory equipment such as coagulation and
chemistry analysers.
- $33.5 million to hospitals for equipment related to major
redevelopment projects
- $38.8 million to long-term care homes for equipment to increase the
safety and comfort of residents, like specialized mattresses,
whirlpool baths, wound therapy and fall prevention equipment.
There is also funding for pediatrics, telemedicine, and joint replacement
scanners. This is the single largest investment in diagnostic and medical
equipment ever in Ontario or Canada.
"This is a very substantial and welcome investment in Ontario's
hospitals," said Ontario Hospital Association President and CEO Hilary Short.
"This funding will allow hospitals to purchase the diagnostic and medical
equipment needed to enhance working conditions for our hospital professionals,
help our hospitals operate even more efficiently, and most importantly,
improve patient care."
"It is very good news to hear that Minister Smitherman is investing in
new and better medical equipment for hospitals and long-term care homes," said
Lois Dent, President of the Concerned Friends of Ontario Citizens in Long Term
Care Facilities. "The special equipment to help prevent and treat serious
problems such as skin ulcers and falls is very much needed in long term care
homes. I am especially pleased with the funding for more mechanical lifts
which are so necessary for the safety of both residents and staff."
Most of the funding announced today comes from the federal diagnostic and
medical equipment fund. This is the second and third instalment from the
federal fund - with a final instalment of $193 million to be provided in
2005/06.
"You can't deliver comprehensive, quality health care without state-of-
the-art equipment," said Smitherman. "It allows our front line health care
workers to deliver the best possible care in a safe work environment."
Last week, Smitherman announced more than $120 million to increase the
number of MRI and CT exams, cardiac catheterization diagnostic procedures and
cancer radiation treatments.
Today's announcement is part of the McGuinty government's comprehensive
plan to improve health care in Ontario. It's a plan that includes reducing
wait times for key procedures, creating Family Health Teams, increasing the
number of doctors and nurses, and investing heavily in community-based health
care in order to ease the pressure on hospitals and deliver care where
patients need it most - closer to home.
This news release, along with other media materials, such as matte
stories and audio clips, on other subjects, are available on our website at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca under the News Media section.
For more information on achievements in health care, visit:
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca.
For a detailed funding backgrounder, please visit: www.health.gov.on.ca.
Version française disponible
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For further information: Members of the media: Eva Lannon, Minister's Office, (416) 327-4320; Dan Strasbourg, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, (416) 314-6197; Members of the general public: (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154
Other news releases disseminated by this ministry
