Hastings County has received kudos from the provincial government for its handling of COVID-19 in its Long Term Care facilities.
County warden Rick Phillips and chair of the Long Term Care committee Paul Jenkins met with Minister of Long Term Care Merrilee Fullerton.
The county handles long term care for Belleville and Quinte West as well.
Warden Phillips tells Quinte News the minister said the county was number one in the province dealing with the pandemic in long term care.
They raised four issues with the minister including increased funding.
“Our number one ask from the minister was to expedite revenue to support a minimum four hours of care for each resident in our long term care facilities and ensure that we receive the full 1.5 % increase for our homes.”
He added that the Minister said, “She heard us clearly and indicated she clearly appreciated the fact of government being able to work with Hastings County.”
“She said that the government is willing to look at everything to continue to help us, and everyone in Ontario, to continue to protect our elderly people in our homes.”
Phillips says they also asked that the COVID-19 infection control specialist and extra cleaning funding continue, as well as funding for community paramedics.
