Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government will spend $3.4 million through the Alternative Level of Care (ALC) and Patient Flow initiatives in 2024-25 for four local health centres including $2.9 million in funding for the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
This funding will reduce existing ALC cases and support patient flow from hospitals to more appropriate settings, such as home care or long-term care.
“Through Your Health – A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, our government is making it easier and faster for people of all ages to connect to the care they need, where and when they need it,” said Fedeli.
“Today’s additional $3.4 million investments will help alleviate the pressures on our health care system, so facilities like the North Bay Regional Health Centre can continue to deliver their high quality of care to the people in our community.
"I know the North Bay Regional Health Centre continues to advocate for dollars to help clear the hallway health care and this particular $2.9 million here at the NBRHC will help that through the ALC and patient flow initiative. In their own words is it 'extremely important' funding that came at the right time."
Paul Heinrich, North Bay Regional Health Centre president says these funds will help the hospital better serve patients who are transitioning to more appropriate levels of care.
“Patient flow is one of the most pressing issues facing hospitals and has a daily impact on both patients seeking care and those waiting to be discharged,” Heinrich said.
“Today’s announcement is so meaningful for both our hospital and our community. It will ensure we are providing the right care in the right place.”
The local ALC and Patient Flow 2024-25 funding:
- $2.9 million for the North Bay Regional Health Centre to support various projects including their acute geriatric rehabilitation program
- $225,000 for the West Nipissing General Hospital to support a geriatric emergency medicine nurse and additional specialized supports
- $200,200 for the Alzheimer's Society of Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay and Districts for their respite care and behavioral support programs
- $180,000 for the Mattawa Hospital to support a geriatric emergency medicine nurse and additional specialized supports
Tanya Belander, president of the Mattawa Hospital, says they are incredibly grateful for this critical funding.
“The flexible funding last year was used primarily for purchasing equipment such as hospital beds, commodes, bed rails, compressors, and transport wheelchairs which had a profound impact on our ability to enhance patient flow," explained Belanger.
"Our Geriatric Emergency Medicine Nurse has managed to support individuals in our community to access the proper care and remain in their homes in a safe and supported manner. With the continued funding we can address some of our local ALC challenges, and ensure that our patients receive the right care, at the right place and time.”
These initiatives were launched in 2022-23 to support the health system and recovery, ensuring people and families across the province can continue to access timely and quality care, whether in a hospital or within the community.
