Since its inception the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network (HNHB LHIN) has been working with the Niagara Health System (NHS) towards achieving quality, accessible and sustainable health care for the citizens of Niagara. Through that work there have been a number of reviews conducted, including one by Dr. Jack Kitts – all of which identified a funding shortfall for the organization.
In the course of this fiscal year, as we asked the NHS to implement the Hospital Improvement Plan (HIP), we have been monitoring the important and necessary quality care improvements outlined in the HIP.
This year, $11 million has been invested in base funding for the NHS. Those dollars supported financial stabilization as well as important chronic disease programs such as dialysis. In addition, a further $14 million was provided this year to the NHS in recognition of, and to support, their progress and ongoing implementation of the HIP and to address the acknowledged base funding shortfalls.
With this $25 million base funding investment, the NHS has achieved financial stability and there is now a new sustainable future for quality, consistent, accessible health care in Niagara.
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"This new increased level of funding for our hospitals was indicated earlier this year and will benefit people throughout the Niagara Region," said St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley. "This funding will help ensure that the Niagara Health System has the resources it needs to serve our residents."
“The base funding increase provided this year will ensure critical stabilization for the delivery of quality, accessible, properly resourced health services delivered by a sustainable Niagara Health System,” said Juanita Gledhill, Chair of the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network.
“An improved financial position will enable NHS to continue its progress in developing a culture of an integrated and singular organization,” stated Juanita Gledhill, Chair of the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network. “The creation of Centres of Excellence and implementation of interprofessional care will create efficiencies and allow the NHS to ensure new technology and updated medical equipment will enhance diagnostic and treatment capability and have a positive impact on the quality of health care to Niagara residents.”
“This base funding investment in the Niagara Health System was achieved by working collaboratively with the LHIN,” explained NHS Chair Betty-Lou Souter. “Together we have been focused on ensuring that the best health care is available for the citizens in Niagara. We believe that the increase to our base funding recognizes the progress we have made and will continue to make.”
