$2.3M boost in funding to expand pediatric services in Niagara

NEWS RELEASE
MPP SAM OOSTERHOFF
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ST. CATHARINES – Ontario is investing nearly $2.3 million to increase access to pediatric services for children and youth in Niagara so they have the care they need, when they need it, right in their own community. This is part of the government's investment of an additional $330 million each year in pediatric health services at hospitals and community-based health care facilities across the province.

The nearly $2.3 million in additional funding includes $1.79 million in provincial support for the Niagara Children's Centre and $500,000 for Niagara Health.

The funding will be used to:

Increase access to children's rehabilitation services, including speech-language pathology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy at the Niagara Children's Centre
Increase the number of children and youth who can be seen, triaged and cared for on-site at the St. Catharines Site of Niagara Health by expanding programs that connect people to care in the right place instead of going to emergency departments

"As an advocate for children with special needs, I welcome this additional provincial funding for the Niagara Children's Centre and Niagara Health," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

"The pediatric programs and service provided by both treatment centres enable children and youth across our region to participate more fully at home, school and in their communities."

"Our government is making record investments in the health and well-being of our children," said Hon. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

"The pediatric funding provided to services in Niagara will have a tremendous impact on children and their families, ensuring they receive faster access to care when they need it."

"Our government is taking action to ensure children and youth in every corner of the province have quick and convenient access to the care they need," said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health.

"This investment will make it easier and faster for young people in the region to connect to the care they need closer to home."

This consistent and stable annual funding increase will ensure hospitals and children's rehabilitation providers in Niagara have the people, resources and technology to improve access to pediatric care and prevent backlogs. Over 100 high-priority initiatives are being quickly implemented across Ontario to ensure children and youth in every corner of the province can connect to emergency care, surgeries, ambulatory services, diagnostic imaging, and mental health services.

"Ontario is putting children and youth first by ensuring they receive the care they need when they need it," said Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

"Our government's significant investment in pediatric care will reduce waitlists, improve access to clinical assessments, early intervention, and children's rehabilitation services, such as speech-language pathology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. This means less time waiting for services, quicker recovery, and better quality of life for children and their families in Niagara and across the province."

MPP Oosterhoff joined the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health, along with Nolan Quinn, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, at the Niagara Children's Centre in St. Catharines to announce the new funding.

"We are very pleased that our government has recognized the importance of investing in child development and rehabilitation services, and the importance of our services within the continuum of children's health," said Oksana Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of the Niagara Children's Centre.

"This funding is critical to supporting our ability to stabilize our workforce and rebuild our capacity to deliver such important therapy to children and youth."

"Niagara Health is grateful for the investment in supporting care for children and youth in Niagara," said Lynn Guerriero, President and Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Health.

"This funding will allow us to care for more patients, while also connecting children and youth to the care they need, in the right place and alleviating some of the pressures on our Emergency Departments."

Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is providing significant financial support to hospitals and communities to improve how they deliver pediatric care – ensuring Ontarians of all ages can access care easier, faster, and closer to home in their communities.

Quick Facts:

Supporting the mental health and well-being of people in Ontario is a key priority for this government. That is why we are providing a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions (MHA) system that offers high-quality, evidence-based services and supports where and when they need them.
In 2020, the government released Roadmap to Wellness, our plan to build a world-class mental health and addictions system.
The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services funds children's rehabilitation services for children and youth with special needs. These services include speech-language pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy delivered in schools and community locations. The Preschool Speech and Language Program provides assessments and services for children with speech and language difficulties and disorders from birth to transition to school.

Additional Resources

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$2.3M boost in funding to expand pediatric services in Niagara

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