EVES GOVERNMENT INCREASES HOSPITAL
BASE FUNDING
BROCKVILLE - Bob Runciman, Leeds-Grenville
MPP, on behalf of Tony Clement, Minister of
Health and Long Term Care today announced details
of new hospital funding in 2003/04 for the hospitals
in his riding.
"This funding demonstrates our government's
commitment to improve access to hospital services
at Brockville General Hospital, St. Vincent
de Paul Hospital and Kemptville District Hospital
for the people of Leeds-Grenville," said
Runciman.
Funding for Brockville General Hospital will
increase six percent with $1,740,400 improving
the 2003-2004 allocation to $29,155,200. Three
percent increases were approved for St. Vincent's
raising the allocation by $179,100 to $6,018,100
and Kemptville District Hospital by $194,300
to $6,670,800.
This is part of the $620 million increase announced
by Premier Ernie Eves Thursday that brings funding
for hospitals in the province to an unprecedented
$10.4 billion. The new provincial funding includes
$484 million for base funding for hospital operations,
which was committed to in the 2003 Budget. This
means that all hospitals will receive a minimum
three per cent increase.
Ray Marshall, President and Chief Administrative
Officer of the Brockville General Hospital,
is happy with the news.
"I am very pleased with the base funding
adjustment of $1,740,400 for the current fiscal
year," said Marshall. "The 2003-2004
fiscal year will be very tight. We will have
to monitor our revenue and expenditures very
carefully but given this announcement, I believe
we will be able to provide services at the same
levels as previous years."
The $620 million also includes $136 million
in new base funding for expanded services at
restructured hospitals, and for priority programs,
such as cardiac care or dialysis, across the
province.
"The funding announcement demonstrates
this government's commitment to keeping its
promises in regards to health care," said
Runciman. "I am pleased that vital hospital
services will remain accessible for the people
of Leeds and Grenville."
Premier Eves also committed to cover 100 per
cent of revenue lost by hospitals that have
been affected by SARS, which is estimated to
be $90 million. As well, Eves announced the
government will immediately advance a further
$150 million to hospitals that have incurred
additional expenses as a result of SARS.
