The Ontario government is investing $1,264,686 to connect more people to interprofessional primary care teams across Parry Sound-Muskoka. This is part of Ontario’s $110 million investment to connect up to 328,000 people to primary care teams, bringing the province one step closer to connecting everyone in Ontario to primary care.
The Algonquin Family Health Team will be receiving $559,799, which will connect over 1,200 patients to primary care in the Huntsville and Dorset areas.
“I would like to thank the Province of Ontario and MPP Graydon Smith for this great news on behalf of the residents of Huntsville,” said Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock. “Today’s news recognizes the value of community partnerships and the hard work we are doing to expand primary care in clinics such as ours. The Town of Huntsville is looking forward to our continued collaboration to bring health care to vulnerable and marginalized people as well as anyone who needs comprehensive care.”
The Sundridge and District Medical Centre will be receiving $327,237, which will connect approximately 1,200 unattached patients to primary care while the Burk’s Falls Family Health Team will be receiving $290,000, connecting approximately 2,200 patients to primary care.
“On behalf of the Burk’s Falls Family Health Team and the Almaguin Highlands Health Council, we are thrilled with the announcement of primary care funding for our teams in both Burk’s Falls and Sundridge,” said Rod Ward, Mayor of the Township of Armour and Co-Chair of BFFHT Board of Directors, and Chair of the Almaguin Highlands Health Council. “We wish to thank the Ministry of Health, Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, and our MPP Graydon Smith for making this a reality. This announcement is good news for the entire Almaguin Highlands, as it provides potential real healthcare benefits to residents across 10 municipalities. The key message is the collaboration and cooperation that made this possible. The fact that the Burk’s Falls Family Health Team worked so closely with the Sundridge & District Medical Team to ensure they had a coordinated approach speaks volumes about the teamwork here in the Almaguin Highlands. With background support from AHHC, all 10 municipalities, and the Muskoka and Area Ontario Health Team, this additional funding means something tangible to our citizens. It is a game-changer! We truly believe that this investment will pay back huge dividends now and into the future.”
Wasauksing First Nation is receiving $87,650, connecting approximately 400 patients to primary care.
“This investment of over $1.2M in new funding by the Government of Ontario will significantly grow our primary care capacity in Parry Sound-Muskoka and serve approximately 5,000 residents in our community,” said MPP Graydon Smith, Parry Sound-Muskoka. “This investment will help more people get faster access to a doctor, nurse practitioner and many other types of health professionals.”
Watch our video for our one-on-one interview with MPP Graydon Smith.
