County residents will benefit from two investments in health care that will increase access, reduce wait times and ensure patient-centred care, local health care officials state.
As part of a provincial investment of more than $7 million for small hospitals announced earlier this summer, North Wellington Health Care (NWHC) and Groves Memorial Hospital both received a one per cent increase in base funding. This combined base funding increase of $318,800 will allow these hospitals to reduce wait times for care, expand programs in partnership with community organizations and provide educational opportunities for staff, states a press release form the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN).
In addition, residents with diabetes living in Wellington will also benefit from increased access to education and care because of a further $120,000 investment from the WWLHIN.
The release states the additional funding for diabetes education programs at Groves and NWHC will enhance access to vital support provided by social workers to help patients better manage their health and navigate the health system through an additional 450 social work visits.
LHIN CEO Bruce Laukner said, “We are committed to ensuring that all residents of Waterloo Wellington receive high quality, efficient care. The increased access made possible through these investments will see more patients receive the care they need, close to home while benefitting from the individualized support they need to allow them to manage their health more effectively.”
“These investments continue to support the efforts of our physicians and staff in providing quality care close to home,” stated Groves and NWHC president and CEO Jerome Quenneville. “The WWLHIN investment in rural health care continues to benefit and address the needs of our communities.”
