New funding, tax exemptions for ARCH

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

***************************** Orazietti announces property tax exemption and additional funds for Algoma hospice

Province provides an additional 55 percent in base funding to help ARCH deliver palliative care

SAULT STE. MARIE - The province is further improving supports for palliative care patients and their families in Sault Ste. Marie with a 55 percent increase in base funding and a property tax exemption for the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH), David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

“The additional funding and the property tax exemption will allow ARCH to direct more resources to patient services and help staff deliver the most compassionate care possible,” said Orazietti. “We are pleased to have provided $2.7 million to help build Sault Ste. Marie’s first hospice and this latest support will ensure loved ones and their families receive the support they need at a difficult time.”

The $320,000 increase in funding for ARCH will bring its total budget from $580,000 to $900,000 for this fiscal year.

This provincial funding boost will allow the hospice to provide additional nursing and personal support services to their patients.

“We are delighted with the province’s announcement that provides extra funding to our base budget and an exemption from property taxes,” said Helen Ross, executive director of the Algoma Residential Community Hospice. “The money will be directed to providing excellent, compassionate care to our residents and their families.”

The province provided $2.7 million toward the construction of the ARCH, which operates on an integrated model of palliative care for its residents through a team-based approach that includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, physiotherapists, hospice volunteer visitors, spiritual advisors and bereavement counsellors.

“Health Care is about caring for people at all stages of their life,” added Louise Paquette, CEO, North East Local Health Integration Network. “The North East LHIN is pleased to support the Algoma Residential Community Hospice in their on-going efforts to enhance care and ensure compassion and dignity to fellow Northerners.”

The province has increased investments in health care services by 61 percent since 2003 in order to improve important services and make important investments in a wide range of health care programs for Sault and area residents that include:

- $408 million for new Sault Area Hospital including radiation therapy bunker

- $40 million for 256 bed long-term care home

- $31 million in additional funding to SAH for patient services

- $22 million or 24 percent increase in annual base funding to Sault Area Hospital

- $13.2 million to reduce wait times

- $8.3 million for Algoma Public Health building and 50 percent increase in public health funding

- $7.4 million for home care and community support services

- $3.7 million for new medical equipment

- $3 million to reduce emergency room wait times Northeastern Ontario

- $2.8 million to build Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH)

- $2.2 million for EMS Response Centre

- $1.5 million nurse practitioner-led clinic at Sault College

- Two new family health teams to expand primary care services in Sault Ste. Marie

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