GUELPH – Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Services (GWPS) will receive $6.1 million to provide in-home care to seniors in Guelph and Wellington County.
The Ministry of Long-Term Care funding, spread over four years, was announced by GWPS on March 22.
“This program will make a difference to so many seniors who are waiting for residence in long-term care, or who require ongoing health care,” stated GWPS chief Stephen Dewar.
“Now they can receive medical support in the comfort of their current home.”
The program, which officials say “leverages the skills and expertise of paramedics,” will involve GWPS collaboration with local health agencies on how best to support clients.
“The provincial framework surrounding the funding is clear; the program must be 24/7, accessible, responsive and proactive, and our team is ready for the challenges, and looks forward to working closely with local healthcare providers to assist more clients,” said Dewar.
With funding in place until 2024, GWPS will ensure the program is implemented by April 1 by:
- recruiting paramedics within its team;
- making some capital investments;
- providing additional training for its members; and
- hiring up to seven temporary paramedics.
The program received one-time funding in October to determine if community paramedics could be of assistance to those on long-term care waitlists.
Since then, more than 70 patients enrolled in the program, demonstrating that individuals can be safely supported in their own homes, officials say.
Dewar noted the new funding will allow GWPS to increase community paramedic hours, with an expectation that approximately 900 individuals annually will use this service.
Referrals to the program are made through health care providers including family physicians, home and community care or hospital discharge planners.
Community Paramedicine has been a part of the services offered by GWPS since 2014.
