Local health team to receive $4.5 million in provincial funding

FERGUS – The Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team (GWOHT) will receive $4,479,600 from the province to help connect an additional 12,800 patients to a primary care team.

The Primary Care Action Plan funding was announced by Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Joseph Racinsky on April 30 at the after-hours clinic in the Fergus Walmart. 

“Connecting everyone to primary care has been a priority for our government, especially in rural areas," Racinsky said during the announcement.

"Today’s announcement will build on the progress we’ve already made and will connect thousands of residents in Wellington County to the primary care they need.”

Rae added the funding will connect "more than 12,000 people to primary care, closer to home" and it "delivers for rural communities in Wellington North, Minto, and Mapleton.”

GWOHT will disperse the $4,479,600 in funding to family health teams in the region, including: Guelph, Mount Forest, Minto-Mapleton, East Wellington and Upper Grand, as well as the Guelph Community Health Centre.

Those without a family doctor or seeking one closer to home can add their name to the Healthcare Connect list, officials say.

GWOHT spokesperson Emmi Perkins called the funding "a transformative step towards improving the health" of area residents.

"Through strong collaboration across our primary care partners, we are now positioned to connect every resident in Guelph Wellington to high-quality, team-based primary care – ensuring people receive the right care, at the right time, close to home," Perkins stated.

"This funding validates the strength of our collaborative model. By building on our existing high-performing primary care teams, we can rapidly expand access, reduce inequities, and deliver more connected, person-centred care for the people of Guelph Wellington."

For more information about how to find a primary care provider, visit guelphwellingtonoht.com.