The President and CEO of Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie is welcoming a nearly $5 million cash infusion from the province to main 27 beds currently in use.
"We are incredibly thankful for this funding which will allow us to continue operating the Rotary Inpatient Unit. These 27 beds play a critical role in assisting RVH with patient flow as we utilize them for patients who longer acquire acute hospital care," said Gail Hunt in a news release. "By investing in these beds, we are able to provide resources, expertise and compassionate care while we work with patients and families on a safe transition either to home with supports or to another appropriate setting, such as long-term care."
Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte, noted the importance of this investment.
"This funding will help to address the capacity issues our local hospitals continue to face during RSV season and throughout the year," Downey stated in the same news release. "Expanding capacity at the RVH will also help to decrease wait times and ensure our community has access to timely, and sometimes live-saving care, when they need it the most."
Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin said the funding will mean care closer to home.
"Our government is committed to decreasing wait times and expanding capacity, providing people and families with high-quality care yearlong and with surges during cold and flu season," Khanjin said in the release.
The total funding the province is providing to RVH with Friday's announcement is $4,927,500.
