The provincial government is expanding the Community Paramedicine Program for long-term care to include Bruce County.
The program, first launched in five communities in 2020, provides seniors with 24-7 access to health care and enhanced at-home supports.
According to a joint-release from the MPPs for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Bill Walker and MPP for Huron-Bruce Lisa Thompson, it also works with primary care and home and community care to provide non-emergency home visits and in-home testing, constant monitoring of vital signs to prevent the escalation of chronic medical illnesses, assessments, referrals, diagnostic procedures, and point-of care testing.
Walker says, “I have received very positive feedback to the program that was piloted earlier in Grey County, and I am pleased to announce the expansion of the Community Paramedicine for long-term care program to Bruce County which will support our local seniors by providing them high-quality care when and where they need in their own homes, while they wait for a bed in long-term care.”
Bruce County Warden Janice Jackson says the paramedicine program offers a significant opportunity for Bruce County and community health care partners.
“Expanding this program will support our high users of paramedic services, like those with uncontrolled chronic conditions. Supporting our residents that are most in need will help them remain in their own homes longer,” says Jackson.
The paramedicine program is fully funded by the Ontario government and is operated in partnership with municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards.
Bruce County Paramedic Chief Steve Schaus says the local paramedic program has been successful and well received.
“Our program has focused on palliative patients with an identified advanced care plan, as well as community crisis patients and high-risk seniors that are waiting for long term care, having significant medical needs, or having strained caregiver supports. We look forward to continuing to provide care to all our residents in Bruce County that require this much needed program,” says Schaus.
In December 2020, the province introduced the long-term care staffing plan, which focuses on Ontario’s goal of bringing an average of four hours of care per resident a day. To match this aim, the government is investing $4.9 billion over the next four years to create 27,000 new jobs for personal service workers and nurses in long-term care.