Province gives local hospitals $1 million in infrastructure funding

BRACEBRIDGE — When you brought home a straight A’s report card, did your parents pat you on the back or raise your allowance?

MAHC received $982,000 from the province for infrastructure funding.

It seems South Muskoka Memorial Hospital got both.

MPP Norm Miller praised SMMH Wednesday, after it received the highest rating from Accreditation Canada – Accredited with Exemplary Standing in a perforance review.

And he announced hospital funding of $982,000 this year through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund for Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare.

The government also gave West Parry Sound Health Centre — $180,862 — he said in a statement as part of the province “prioritizing the health and safety of patients by providing 128 hospitals across the province with funding to upgrade, repair and maintain their facilities.”

“The health and safety of patients and families is a priority for our government,” said Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “That’s why we must make the necessary investments in our hospitals now, to ensure our healthcare professionals have the facilities they need to continue to provide excellent quality care to patients.”

He said the Progressive Conservative government “is moving quickly to address challenges facing the health care system as it develops a long-term transformational strategy to end hallway health care. This funding will allow hospitals to address urgent issues, including upgrades or replacements of roofs, windows, heating and air conditioning systems, fire alarms and back-up generators.”

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Christine Elliott, added: “We will continue to listen to the patients and the people who plan and work on the frontlines. Together, we will create a health care system that works for the people of Ontario.”

Miller continued about the performance review: “This accreditation recognizes the hard work by all MAHC staff to ensure high quality patient care. I congratulate the talented and dedicated healthcare professionals on this recognition of their work.”

MAHC met 100 per cent of all Required Organization Practices and more than 98 per cent of the high priority and other criteria.

Hospitals voluntarily participate in this program to help ensure they are providing the highest standard of care.

Accreditation Canada is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to working with patients, policy makers and the public to improve the quality of health and social services for all.

In December Accreditation Canada spent four days surveying the health care and organizational processes at both MAHC sites.

Miller added: “I am pleased that both MAHC and West Parry Sound Health Centre have voluntarily participated in this accreditation process and received the highest accreditation, demonstrating their interest in constantly improving the care they offer to our residents and visitor.

“Residents across Parry Sound-Muskoka can be assured that they will receive high quality care in any of our hospital facilities.”