June 26, 2006

LEAMINGTON– The McGuinty government today celebrated the addition of a new six-station dialysis unit to be located at Leamington District Memorial Hospital with a visit by Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

"The McGuinty government is on the side of Leamington area residents who want greater access to health care," said Smitherman. "When the new dialysis unit opens, Leamington area residents will no longer need to travel to Windsor three times a week because treatment will be available right here in Leamington."

The new six-station dialysis unit, to be located at Leamington District Memorial Hospital, will operate as a satellite of the Windsor Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital Regional Chronic Kidney Disease Program. Approximately 5,600 hemodialysis treatments will be provided at the new site each year.

The McGuinty government has committed $825,000 toward the $1.7 million project.

"We are so pleased that dialysis patients in our area will now be able to receive this service without having to travel to Windsor or Chatham for treatment," expressed Warren Chant, President and CEO of Leamington District Memorial Hospital. "I want to thank the Health Minister and his staff, as well as our local MPPs, Bruce Crozier and Pat Hoy, for their efforts in bringing dialysis treatment closer to home. My special appreciation goes to the medical and nursing leadership of Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital for making this service a reality for those people in need in our community."

Each year, the number of Ontarians with chronic kidney disease increases. Ontario's aging population, coupled with increased incidence of diabetes and high blood pressure, has resulted in a greater need for dialysis treatment closer to home.

This is the latest McGuinty government health care initiative to benefit the residents of Leamington. Others include :

• Creating 104 new first-year medical school spaces by 2009/10
• Investing $75 million over three years to create an additional 22 Community Health Centres and 17 satellites
• Expanding the number of nurse practitioner education seats to 150 this September, one year ahead of schedule.

Today's 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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