July 31, 2006

WINDSOR – Recent funding from the McGuinty government for increased services at the Windsor-Essex Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) is leading to better health care for local residents, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman said today.

“We’re on the side of Ontarians who want the best health care,” said Smitherman. “CCACs are a very important part of our health care system since they are the gateways to homecare and community services. The funding we’ve provided is leading to better access to care for people in this area.”

Last May, the government provided an additional $3,101,600 to the Windsor-Essex CCAC, to strengthen home and end-of-life care as part of a $117.8 million provincial announcement that included community services. The ministry has also provided new base funding of more than $2,632,000, which includes $500,000 in base funding to support nursing and personal support services at the new eight-bed residential hospice. One time funding of $469,500 is also being made available for hip and knee procedures. The Windsor-Essex CCAC will also offer services based on client need, including case management and other professional services, such as social work, drug cards, medical supplies and equipment.

“We’re encouraged by the progress and dedication displayed by the Windsor-Essex CCAC,” said Dwight Duncan, MPP for Windsor- St. Clair. “We’re working to provide every Ontarian with the best possible health care, and in this area, the Windsor-Essex CCAC is helping us do exactly that.”

“Our government is absolutely committed to improving home and community care in Ontario,” said Sandra Pupatello, MPP for Windsor West. “That’s why we make the investments we do in CCACs, to allow Ontarians to access the care they need, closer to home.”

This is just the latest example of the McGuinty government’s commitment to quality community-based services. Other initiatives include :

• Providing $75 million over three years to create an additional 22 Community Health Centres and 17 satellites to improve access to the full range of primary care services, including health promotion and disease prevention
• Investing $68.5 million to improve access to community-based mental health services for 22,910 more Ontarians this year
• Creating 150 Family Health Teams, which will improve access to primary care for more than 2.5 million Ontarians in 112 communities.

“Our government has a vision of a health care system that provides the services Ontarians need, and will continue to do so for generations to come,” said Essex MPP Bruce Crozier.

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan for innovation in public health care, building 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

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