July 13, 2006

WINGHAM– The McGuinty government is improving access to health care services for the Wingham community by supporting redevelopment plans at Wingham and District Hospital, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"We are on the side of Ontario families who want the best health care, including quality hospital care," said Smitherman. "The $250,000 funding we're announcing today means there will be even better emergency, ambulatory care, diagnostic and surgical services to serve the needs of Wingham area residents."

The government's investment will go toward plans to renovate and expand an aging facility. The redevelopment will focus on expanding the hospital's capacity for primary and ambulatory care, which will result in better access to quality hospital services for people in and around Wingham.

"We are pleased with the government's support for our redevelopment plans," said Margret Comack, Chief Executive Officer of the Wingham and District Hospital." This funding is another step towards upgrading and modernizing the Hospital."

"Our government has a vision of a health care system that is going to help keep Ontarians healthier, get them good care when they are sick, and be there for them for generations to come," said Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell. "Today's announcement is another step towards making that vision a reality here in Wingham."

This is just the latest example of the McGuinty government commitment to quality hospital care. Other initiatives include :

• Increasing operating grant funding to hospitals to $12.9 billion in 2006/07, $13.4 billion in 2007/08, and $14 billion in 2008/09;
• Reducing wait times for five key health care services (hip and knee joint replacement, cataract surgeries, MRI exams, cancer surgeries and cardiac procedures) with a recent investment of $222.5 million;
• Issuing Requests for Proposals for 11 new hospital projects in 2006/07 worth $2 billion.

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for innovation in public health care to build a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

For further information :

Members of the general public : (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154

© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2003  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimers  |   Last Modified :