PEMBROKE: Earlier this week, the Honourable Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long Term Care announced that the County of Renfrew has been awarded one-time funding of $248,500 for the expansion of Community Paramedic initiatives. The funding was awarded based upon evaluation criteria that demonstrated the ability to collaborate with community and health care providers with the goal of providing client-centered care in our communities. The service will work collaboratively with Community Care Access and surrounding health care facilities to streamline access to necessary care.
The County of Renfrew, in partnership with Hastings County, has received over $650,000 in Ministry of Health funding to participate in evaluating the ‘Economic value of Community Paramedicine Programs’. The goals of the study are to create healthier communities by understanding the economic impact of community paramedic programs within the health care system, integrate technology initiatives to add a more preventative scope, reduce overall healthcare costs and contribute to the establishment of an increased provincial and national awareness of Community Paramedicine.
Dr. Hoskins said, “Community paramedicine programs will help improve access to quality care for those who need it most. This initiative is about ensuring that those with higher needs are able to receive care in the home and in the community by a team of highly skilled health professionals, lightening the load on emergency rooms.”
Chair of the County of Renfrew Health Committee, Mayor Janice Visneskie Moore, shared her thoughts.
“The County of Renfrew Health Committee has long recognized the high level of community engagement and training that our Paramedic Service provides,” she said. “ This is a shining example of how working together with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the County of Renfrew can share its success with the rest of the province to deliver increased access to care in communities.”
County Warden Peter Emon said, “I am pleased that the County of Renfrew paramedicine project is being strengthened and that it is providing the model for expansion into 29 other communities across the province. Our highly trained and dedicated paramedic service is setting the standard in providing additional care that increases the quality of life of older adults and those with chronic conditions. Being able to help keep people in their homes longer in rural Renfrew County is just one of the great benefits our Community Paramedicine Program delivers.”
The province is investing $6 million in the expansion and development of 30 community paramedicine programs. These initiatives will support participating paramedics in working with other teams of health professionals to provide more care to patients in the community.
