Regional health care boards on sound financial footing

Health and Community Services Minister Julie Bettney said the addition of $50 million into the base budgets of the 10 regional health care boards ensures these boards have adequate funds to maintain quality services within balanced budgets. These boards operate hospitals, clinics and long-term care homes in all areas of the province.

"For the first time in several years, boards know their operating budgets prior to the beginning of the fiscal year," said Minister Bettney. "Budget 2001-2002 marks the beginning of a new partnership with these boards."

The $50 million increase in base funding is in addition to substantial investments in salary increases, pay equity and occupational reclassifications of health professionals. This increase will stabilize board funding and allow them to operate within balanced budgets. This will position them to achieve efficiencies and focus on future service improvements.

"Our priority is to provide an appropriate level of health services and we remain committed to that priority," the minister said.

Government is also placing a greater emphasis on community-based health services and population health programs. Health and community services boards will receive additional funding of $7 million toward their base budget for this purpose. These boards deliver community services such as child, family and youth programs.

"Government continues to be concerned about health care costs which are increasing at an alarming rate," said Minister Bettney. "All partners in the health care system, including users of health care services, have a role in keeping quality health care affordable. This is one of the reasons why the government will hold a series of regional health and community services forums on the future of health care. These forums will allow stakeholders in the health and community services system to shape a vision for the future of health care in the province where quality, accessibility and sustainability are in balance."

Media contact: Carmel Parsons, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2001 03 22                  4:15 p.m.