David O. finds a few good beds

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

*********************** David Orazietti announces 12 new convalescent care beds in Sault Ste. Marie

Care closer to home – reduced costs to hospitals

Toronto – The McGuinty government is investing in 12 new convalescence care beds for patients in Sault Ste. Marie who no longer need acute hospital care David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

"Our government is continuing to invest in key areas of health care and today's announcement will further add to the new convalescent care program in our city," said Orazietti. "Instead of individuals remaining in the hospital after the need for acute care is past, the availability of convalescent beds allows people to re-gain strength and improve functioning before being returned to their homes."

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has designated twelve beds for the New Convalescent Care Program to the Extendicare Van Daele in Sault Ste. Marie.

"We are pleased and proud that Extendicare Van Daele has been awarded 12 convalescent care beds by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

The MOHLTC is demonstrating confidence in us as a long-term care home with the ability to provide the highest possible level of health care and services to people of all ages who need us.

Extendicare Van Daele has always been a committed and active member of the Sault Ste. Marie community.

We feel this is another opportunity to us to enhance our long-standing partnership with the Sault Area Hospital and one more way we can contribute in a positive way to this community.

We are confident that the commitment, dedication and skills of our staff will allow us to manage the convalescent care program with the same excellence that we give our long-term care residents," said Janice Hodgson, Administrator, Extendicare Van Daele.

Today's announcement is part of the McGuinty government's comprehensive plan to improve health care in Ontario.

It's a plan that includes reducing wait times for key procedures, creating Family Health Teams, increasing the number of doctors and nurses, and investing heavily in community-based health care in order to ease the pressure on hospitals and deliver care where patients need it most — closer to home.

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