Grey County to receive permanent funding for community paramedicine program; additional $500,000 for operations

On August 5, the Provincial government announced $89 million in funding to support Ontario seniors through Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care. The program, operating across Ontario including in Grey County, sees specially trained community paramedics making regular visits to enrolled patients in the comfort of their own homes. Working closely with each patient’s primary care practitioner, community paramedics can help monitor patients, assess and treat symptoms, and if necessary, escalate care. Grey County has been providing this program for several years. The program also accepts patients who are without primary care.

“The Ontario government is improving long-term care to ensure Ontarians get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “By making this program permanent and delivering care to seniors in the comfort of their homes, CPLTC will continue to protect Ontario’s long-term care system, reducing avoidable hospital visits, supporting caregivers and improving seniors’ quality of life.”

Grey County initially received funding for the program in 2021 for three years. A two-year extension was given to 2024. The permanent funding announcement for the program is being praised by Grey County Council.

“Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care (CPLTC) has been a tremendous asset for Grey County residents for several years and the benefits of the program are numerous and invaluable,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs during a recent Grey County Council meeting.  “Not only does the program help keep more seniors in their homes for longer – which is where they want to be – it improves their overall quality of life and helps take some pressure off of our busy hospital emergency departments.”

In addition to the announcement of permanent funding, Grey County was pleased to learn that its Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care funding allocation will be increasing by an additional $500,000. With this additional support, Grey County’s CPLTC program will be 100% funded by the province through the Ministry of Long-Term Care The program will not impact the County tax levy.

The Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care (CPLTC) program was launched in 2020. Grey County was one of the first participating municipalities.

“Grey County Council is absolutely thrilled to learn that this vital program has been made permanent. We’re thankful the Ontario government sees value in these services and we’re grateful for the significant and impactful investment,” said Warden Matrosovs.

Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers is also pleased to see the program continue.

“In recent years, community paramedicine has become a hallmark of our local healthcare system,” said Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound. “Helping patients where they are most comfortable has been a breakthrough in local healthcare. I am pleased to see that CPLTC programs like the one in County of Grey will get to build on their progress in this space and continue helping patients in our community in the years ahead.”

Grey County has been at the forefront of community paramedicine in Ontario since 2014 and has participated in several programs and trials which have helped enhance community care and grow the paramedic profession in the province. In addition to  the CPLTC program, Grey County receives additional funding from the Ministry of Health to deliver community paramedicine programs in support of community members with chronic health conditions like COPD, congestive heart failure, diabetes, palliative conditions, and mental health and addictions. Community paramedicine programs offer services such as home visitation, community clinics and public outreach. Grey County paramedics are also involved in the Supportive Outreach Program.

More information on Grey County Paramedic Services can be found on the County’s website at www.grey.ca. 

The Provincial media release can be found online at https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006273/ontario-investing-89-million-to-help-people-age-safely-at-home.  

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For media inquiries contact Rob Hatten, communications manager, at rob.hatten [at] grey.ca (rob[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca) or call 519-373-1592.