Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) has received a major funding boost as the aging facility deals with a growing number of patients.
Premier Doug Ford announced the $25 million funding increase at a news conference at OSMH on Friday morning where he was joined by Health Minister Sylvia Jones and Simcoe North MPP and Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop.
“As our population continues to grow, this funding increase will help to ensure that the people of Orillia are connected to quality health care, when and where they need it,” said Premier Ford. “Right across the province, we’re making record investments in health care. We’re reducing wait times, creating more beds and adding more doctors and nurses.”
Most of the funding will go towards operating costs of more than 60 additional beds that have currently been managed through temporary or one-time funding arrangements. OSMH says the $15.7 million is the largest single year over year increase in the hospital's history.
“This is incredibly good news for our hospital, for our community, and for patients and families who rely on us for their care,” said Carmine Stumpo, OSMH President and CEO. “To have both the Premier and Health Minister on site to share in our excitement speaks volumes to their commitment and recognition of the growth challenges we are facing.”
According to the Ontario Hospital Association, OSMH has had the highest occupancy rate of all medium- or large-sized hospitals in Ontario for the past two years.
Hospital officials say they are continuing to advance planning on a proposal before the Ministry of Health to replace the current hospital with a new, larger facility.
Image via Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital
