LHIN investing in wait time reduction strategies

Three London health care institutions are in line for significant funding to help reduce wait times and to start new programs and carry on with initiatives that have already proved successful.

That was the word from three London MPPs, Deb Matthews, Chris Bentley and Khalil Ramal, as well as representatives from the South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), Friday (Sept. 4).

"Our government is investing in community-based services to improve healthcare." said Ramal MPP, London-Fanshawe.

"The 18 initiatives that are receiving funding through the South West LHIN prove that partnerships and innovative initiatives are making a difference in freeing up emergency room beds and allowing seniors and other patients to stay in their homes," he said.

In total, Ontario is providing funding of $2.4 million to the Southwest region as part of its Urgent Priorities and Aging at Home initiatives. The funding includes:

*$310,517 to London Health Sciences Centre for three programs that will improve cancer surgery wait times, improve outcomes for hip and knee care and help long-term ventilation patients get back to their home communities.

*$950,161 to the Southwest Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) for a number of programs including enhanced overnight supports for medically fragile children and improvements to wound care management.

*$857,931 to St. Joseph's Health Care to extend the operation of its Transitional Care Unit Parkwood Hospital until October 2010 when more long term care beds will become operational.

"The transitional care unit is a more appropriate place for patients who no longer need acute care," said Elaine Gibson, vice president complex, specialty aging and rehabilitative care at St. Joseph's Health Care, London.

"It provides restorative care to help patients maximize their potential to be cared for in their own homes with support from the South West Community Care Access Centre, or in long-term care homes or supportive housing," she said.