More money for QHC

Quinte Health Care is getting a funding boost.

Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith and QHC President and CEO Stacy Daub were at North Hastings Hospital in Bancroft Friday morning to announce an extra $5.8 million dollars in operational funding.

That’s a 3.6% increase over base and one-time funding for QHC in 2020-2021.

Smith says the government heard the concerns of hospital administrations across the province who told them that the funding model didn’t provide enough money for small and medium site hospitals and multi-site hospital corporations like Quinte Health Care.

“These funding trends are giving me confidence that our government will continue to listen and work closely with our partners at QHC to ensure that all four community hospitals remain well positioned to serve the medical needs of the growing numbers of residents and visitors for years to come.”

Daub thanked both Smith and Hastings, Lennox & Addington MPP Daryl Kramp (who was unable to attend) for advocating for QHC.

“Your recognition of the importance of these community hospitals and what they mean to their communities, what it means to population health and wellness, is going to change generations of health and wellness.”

Kim Bishop, the Chair of the North Hastings Fund Development Committee said the funding will allow organizations like QHC to focus on sustainable care throughout the region.

“We’re delighted the announcement is taking place in North Hastings, a clear indication that Quinte Health Care North Hastings continues to remain a recognized, valued, and vital part of the health care community that Quinte Health Care serves.”

Pictured L-R; Dr. Alex Ferreira, MPP Todd Smith, Stacey Daub, Kim Bishop, Dave MacLeod (NHH auxiliary).

Smith says the provincial government is increasing hospital sector funding across Ontario by $778 million this year.