Funding for area hospitals and the Health Unit's seniors dental care

Three area hospitals are getting provincial funding for upgrades, repairs and maintenance, including COVID-19 related and other urgent projects.

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli announced the funding, over a $1 million, through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund.

Hospitals receiving funding as part of this investment include:
– North Bay Regional Health Centre – $434,386
– Mattawa General Hospital – $283,020
– West Nipissing General Hospital/Hopital General de Nipissing Ouest – $333,933

“These investments will help area hospitals maintain their infrastructure and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients to receive care,” said MPP Fedeli. “Maintaining hospital infrastructure is another example of how our government is ensuring that the constituents of Nipissing have access to health care services they can depend on, especially during these unprecedented times.”

“NBRHC is highly appreciative of this infrastructure investment which helps maintain our various care delivery sites,” said Paul Heinrich, President and CEO for the NBRHC. “Today’s announcement strengthens our Health Centre as we continue to serve on the critical front line of the battle against COVID-19.”

Meantime, eligible seniors will benefit from a provincial funding announcement involving the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is receiving over $230,000 in operating funding for 2020-21.

The bulk of the money, $168,000 is for the dental clinic at the Health Unit, while over $62,000 is for the mobile dental clinic in Parry Sound.

“The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program will reduce unnecessary trips to the hospital and help to eliminate hallway health care, prevent chronic disease and improve the quality of life and overall well-being for eligible seniors in Nipissing”, said MPP Fedeli.

The Ontario government is providing $25 million to expand access to the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.

Funding will be used to support 78 infrastructure projects across the province, including building new dental clinics and renovating existing facilities.

The province is also adding eight new mobile dental clinics that will bring services directly to clients, making it easier for vulnerable seniors to access the dental care they need.

Photo by Jeff Turl/BayToday.ca