Newly announced provincial funding is helping to connect more people to emergency care in times of crisis.
Over $8.2 million is being invested in Chatham-Kent’s ambulance services and the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program, increasing the availability of paramedics and ambulances in the community.
“This support ensures our paramedics have the resources they need, while also helping patients receive timely care. I’m proud to see these investments making a direct impact in our community and supporting the dedicated professionals who provide exceptional care every day,” said Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington in a news release.
The province is increasing land ambulance funding by 2%%, bringing the province’s total investment in the region to $8.16 million this year.
Another $54,600 has been earmarked to hire more nurses and other eligible health professionals dedicated to offloading ambulance patients in hospital emergency departments. Officials say the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program allows paramedics to respond to their next 911 call sooner, helping to reduce offload times and increasing ambulance availability for patients.