Latest news with #CommunityParamedicine
CTV News
20 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
$89M in funding makes Ontario community paramedicine program permanent
Ontario provides $89 million in funding to make the community paramedicine program permanent, expanding care for seniors and First Nations people. On Tuesday, the Ontario government announced $89 million in new fund to make the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program permanent while expanding services to First Nations communities. Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau, who also chairs the Northern Ontario Service Delivery Association, expressed enthusiasm for the announcement. 'We're just thrilled with this announcement,' Boileau said. 'We know that community paramedicine has proven to be very valuable. And, for many of our northern communities, it's often the only access to primary care.' Boileau noted that she and the association have been advocating for this funding for the past four years. 'It's been helping alleviate waitlists for long-term care. It's been helping to alleviate visits to emergency departments across the region,' she said. 'Something that is, of course, of importance to many of our communities and we know that this is working.' Program provides critical at-home care for seniors The provincial paramedicine program offers 24/7 non-emergency support, allowing more seniors to age safely at home. Services include routine diagnostic procedures, at-home treatments and remote monitoring. Ambulance Ontario Paramedics transport an elderly man to a hospital in Ontario on November 19, 2020. (File photo/Nathan Denette/THE CANADIAN PRESS) Initially launched as a pilot program in five communities in 2020, it expanded province-wide in 2022. Since then, the Ontario government reports that the program has: Served more than 81,000 people and provided more than 310,000 hours of direct care. Sudbury paramedic services highlight program's success Deputy Chief Melissa Roney of Greater Sudbury's Paramedic Services emphasized the program's effectiveness. 'In 2024, we were rostering – meaning caring – for just over 1,800 unique patients,' she said. 'So fairly substantial, considering we have four people on during the day and one community paramedic at night.' Sudbury community paramedics An undated photo of two members of Greater Sudbury's Community Paramedicine Program at Dynamic Earth with their vehicles. (File photo/Supplied/City of Greater Sudbury) Roney also told CTV News that the program has reduced unnecessary emergency calls. 'What we're seeing is an increase in people who are able to stay at home, fewer 911 calls for those non-urgent patients,' she said. 'Instead of calling 911, these patients are calling their community paramedic for their low-acuity and non-urgent needs. In 2024, our community paramedics in the city were able to reach out and meet just over 13,000 people, either by phone or in person.' Permanent funding ensures stability and long-term care Roney said the province's commitment provides much-needed stability for the program. 'It offers the ability now for stability, some long-term planning in our program because we were never sure whether or not the lights would stay on following the end of the fiscal year,' she said. 'But really, most importantly, I think it's really great that we can provide consistent care.' Roney praised the program for showcasing the evolving role of paramedics. 'This program really shows that paramedics are highly skilled, adaptable professionals who can do more than just respond to emergencies – they can prevent them.'
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Ontario makes program aimed at keeping seniors out of hospital permanent
Ontario's long-term care minister has announced that the province is making a paramedic program that helps keep patients out of hospital permanent. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta says the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program has served more than 81,000 people since launching as a pilot project in 2020 and expanding across the province in 2022. The program sees community paramedics treat seniors who are waiting for long-term care in their homes for non-emergency issues such as help with chronic disease management. The government says community paramedics typically provide care within hours or days, which helps prevent emergency incidents and eases pressures on hospitals. Ontario is putting $89 million toward the program, which includes expanding services offered in First Nations communities. The Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs says the pilot project 'has demonstrated the unique role paramedics play in our health-care system outside of 911 response, by enabling seniors to age at home and reduce emergency room visits.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 5, 2025. Allison Jones, The Canadian Press
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Province invests $89M to help seniors age ‘safely at home'
Second from right: Sarah Mills, director and chief of paramedics for the County of Simcoe. Fourth from right: Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, Fifth from right: Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe warden. Sixth from right: Doug Downey, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte MPP, Seventh from right: Andrea Khanjin, Barrie—Innisfil MPP The Ontario government announced on Tuesday an investment to make their Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care (CPLTC) program permanent, continuing to offer care for seniors right at their front door. 'Starting in 2026-27, Ontario will invest $89 million annually into the (CPLTC),' stated Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, in her announcement at Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus. Through the CPLTC, community paramedics can offer basic diagnostic services and check-ins to those who are on the waiting list for long-term care. According to the province, the program has served more than 81,000 people and provided more than 310,000 hours of care to seniors since launching in 2020. With more non-emergency services available at home, the province confirmed to CTV News that it has translated to fewer 911 calls and more efficiency in the healthcare system. 'It's a win-win situation for all,' said Kusendova-Bashta in an interview with CTV News. 'Our community paramedics are one of those providers who can help support people to stay at home longer. We know that our seniors, they feel really good at home. And if we are able to provide them with the right supports, like through community medicine, they will be able to stay within the comfort of their home longer.' Of those 81,000 served by the CPLTC program, nearly 2,300 have been in Simcoe County. The announced funding will support paramedic services in 56 municipalities and expand to seven Indigenous communities in total. 'It means a permanent program,' said Sarah Mills, director and chief of paramedics for the County of Simcoe. 'And securing support for our communities as our seniors age at home and really diversifying the portfolio of paramedics in the County of Simcoe.' 'It's so important if you can keep your family members at home where they feel comfortable, where they feel relaxed,' added Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe warden. 'They know somebody's coming in that's an expert, and even to go over their medication just to make them feel better. At the end of the day, when they leave, (they know that) 'yes, I'm doing everything right, I'm doing the best I can, and there's somebody looking out for me.'' Those on the waitlist for long-term care and those who have been assessed are eligible. Clients may also refer themselves or family members by contacting their local paramedic service.
