The Ontario government is investing over $1.2 million in the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service to increase the availability of paramedics and ambulances in the community.
This investment, announced in part by Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinnsoneault and Middlesex County Warden Sue Clarke on Monday, is through the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program.
It will see the hiring of nurses and other eligible health professionals dedicated to offloading ambulance patients in hospital emergency departments, helping to reduce delays paramedics encounter when arriving at hospitals to transfer patients.
“By supporting dedicated health-care professionals to help offload patients, we’re improving access to emergency care while making better use of our paramedic resources when every second counts. I’m proud to see our government continuing to invest in practical solutions that strengthen emergency care here and across Ontario.” Said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
“This $1.28 million investment is welcome news for Middlesex County and an important contribution to our local emergency system. We appreciate the Ministry of Health’s continued investment in Middlesex-London and its support for practical measures that help return paramedics and ambulances to our communities sooner, strengthening 9-1-1 response for the residents who rely on it.” – Sue Clarke, Warden, Middlesex County.
“Shorter offload delays allow patients to transition to hospital care sooner while making paramedic crews available more quickly for the next 9-1-1 call. That improved flow across the emergency system supports more timely care and, most importantly, better health outcomes for the patients and communities we serve.” – Brian Ropp, Chair, MLPS Authority Board.
Written by: L. Dickson
