September 29, 2006

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is increasing access to long-term care services for local residents by seeking applications from long-term care home operators to develop more beds in the area, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"Some areas of the province, such as Kingston, need more quality long-term care beds to address the needs of its growing and aging population," Smitherman said. "We are looking for interested long-term home operators who can come forward with plans to provide residents with a high quality of life."

The government is seeking applications to develop 160 new long-term care beds in Kingston.

"These new beds will ensure that residents can receive quality long-term care close to their family and friends," said John Gerretsen, MPP for Kingston and The Islands. "Our government is fulfilling one of the key commitments we made this spring as part of our multi-faceted strategy to address the pressing need for long-term care beds in Kingston."

Operators have until November 10, 2006 to submit their applications. The government will announce the successful applicants in December. Applications will be evaluated based on the operator's financial capacity, operational experience and ability to open new beds by December 2009.

This is just the latest example of how the McGuinty government is working to improve access to health care services for seniors in Ontario. Other recent initiatives include :

• Investing $87.8 million to improve home care and community support services
• Providing $30 million to implement the Caplan report recommendations on CCACs.

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

BACKGROUNDERS

Status of Commitments to Address Long-Term Care Needs in Kingston

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