NEWS - For immediate release Oct. 22, 2021
[HURON-BRUCE] – Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker are pleased to announce that the provincial government is expanding the Community Paramedicine Program for Long-Term Care to Bruce County.
“This program helps seniors with 24-7 access to health care and enhanced at-home supports,” said Thompson. “This has shown to reduce visits to the emergency departments and hospitalizations as well.”
“Our government is fixing Ontario’s long-term care system and improving the care seniors receive is a key part of our plan,” said Walker. “I have received very positive feedback to the program that was piloted earlier in Grey County, and I am pleased to announce the expansion of the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program to Bruce County which will support our local seniors by providing them high-quality care when and where they need in their own homes, while they wait for a bed in long-term care.”
The program was first piloted across five communities in October 2020.
“The Paramedicine program offers a significant opportunity for Bruce County and community health care partners. Expanding this program will support our high users of Paramedic Services, like those with uncontrolled chronic conditions. Supporting our residents that are most in need will help them remain in their own homes longer,” said Bruce County Warden Janice Jackson.
“The Bruce County Community Paramedicine program has been successful and well received. Our Program has focused on palliative patients with an identified advanced care plan, as well as community crisis patients and high-risk seniors that are waiting for Long Term Care, having significant medical needs, or having strained caregiver supports. We look forward to continuing to provide care to all our residents in Bruce County that require this much needed program,” said Bruce County Paramedic Chief Steve Schaus.
The program works alongside primary care and home and community care to provide the following services to eligible seniors:
· Access to health services 24-7, through in-home and remote methods, such as online supports;
· Non-emergency home visits and in-home testing procedures;
· Ongoing monitoring of vital signs to prevent escalation of chronic medical conditions; and
· Assessments, referrals, diagnostic procedures, and point-of care testing.
The program is fully funded by the provincial government and is operated in partnership with municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards.
QUICK FACTS
· As of June 2021, more than 38,000 people were on the waitlist to access a long-term care bed in Ontario.
· In December 2020, Ontario launched the long-term care Staffing Plan, which centers around the province’s commitment of delivering an average of four hours of care per resident per day. To meet this commitment, the government is investing $4.9 billion over the next four years to help create 27,000 new positions for PSWs and nurses in long-term care. This funding will also support a 20 per cent increase in direct care time by allied health professionals including physiotherapists and social workers over the next two years.
30
Media contact: Jack Sullivan
