From left to right: Greg McLeod, Sabine Mersmann, Janna Hotson, Billy Denault and Pierre Noel. MBC Media file photo.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault says the Ottawa Valley’s hospitals are receiving increased funding this year to help cover operational costs as well as infrastructure upgrades.
At a press event late last week, Denault announced that the province is providing $7,426,200 in operational funding five Ottawa Valley hospitals. The money is being divided as follows:
- Arnprior Regional Health is receiving $883,000, a four per cent increase compared to last year
- Deep River and District Health is receiving $452,100, a four per cent increase compared to last year.
- Pembroke Regional Hospital is receiving $3,319,900, a 3.7 per cent increase compared to last year
- Renfrew Victoria Hospital is receiving $1,711,300, a four per cent increase compared to last year
- St. Francis Memorial Hospital is receiving $1,059,900, a ten per cent increase compared to last year
Over five million more dollars are also being invested across each hospital through the Health Infrastructure and Renewal Fund, divided as follows:
- Arnprior Regional Health is receiving $787,168
- Deep River and District Health is receiving $1,175,275
- Pembroke Regional Hospital is receiving $2,445,167
- Renfrew Victoria Hospital is receiving $985,604
- St. Francis Memorial Hospital is receiving $442,091
Arnprior Regional Hospital Interim President and CEO Pierre Noel expressed his gratitude for the funding, emphasizing the importance of stable, consistent funding for rural hospitals.
Janna Hotson, President and CEO of Deep River and District Health, thanked Denault for his advocacy on the riding’s behalf, adding that the funding increase will help her team meet the community’s needs better.
Pembroke Regional Hospital’s President and CEO Sabine Mersmann echoed similar sentiments, while also emphasizing the importance of the infrastructure funding after a recent plumbing project led to some major expenses for the hospital.
Greg McLeod, the Chief Operating Officer for the St. Francis Memorial Hospital and Integrated VP of capital planning, infrastructure and environmental services at Renfrew Victoria Hospital, says the relatively large operational funding increase in Barry’s Bay is related to a recent expansion of that facility’s emergency department.
Renfrew Victoria Hospital President and CEO Suzanne Madore was unable to attend.
(Steve Berard)
