For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, July 18, 2001

Additional Funding Helps Hospitals Deal with the Impact of
Dramatic Population Growth in GTA/905

"With a population that's growing at twice the provincial average GTA/905 hospitals are more than pleased and relieved to receive an additional $94 million to help them keep up with growing demand for hospital services," said GTA/905 Healthcare Alliance Chair, Gale Mossman.

According to Mossman, "the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care's announced increase in operating funds for 905 area hospitals demonstrates government understanding of the tremendous impact population growth plays in each 905 community."

"Collectively GTA/905 hospitals require $194 million in additional funding to keep up with service demands, sixty percent of which corresponds directly to population growth. The $94 million allocated to Alliance hospitals moves us in the right direction as 905 hospitals continue to grapple with mounting growth pressures," explains Alliance Executive Director, Joe Pilon.

As more people move to the areas of Durham, Halton, Peel, York and surrounding areas, GTA/905 hospitals expect to see more than 50,000 additional emergency visits and at least 30,000 more hospital admissions.

• "Cost efficiency and effective use of resources has helped Alliance hospitals keep pace with service provision but we can't control demand for service and we have an obligation to our communities to respond to increasing growth pressures. We can't turn people away," says Pilon.

• According to Pilon, GTA/905 hospitals are a "committed partner" in helping to improve the health care system. "Together with the government we are striving to get ahead of growth to ensure that hospitals in the GTA/905 maintain a healthy delivery system that can continue to respond to growing demand for service," he said.

GTA/905 Healthcare Alliance hospitals include: Halton Healthcare Services, Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Lakeridge Health Corporation, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Rouge Valley Health System, Credit Valley Hospital, Trillium Health Centre, Whitby Mental Health Centre, William Osler Health Centre, York Central Hospital, Southlake Regional Health Centre.

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The GTA/905 Healthcare Alliance is a group of eleven hospital corporations from the regions of Durham, Halton, Peel, York and surrounding areas. Alliance hospitals include: Halton Healthcare Services, Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Lakeridge Health Corporation, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Rouge Valley Health System, Southlake Regional Health Centre, The Credit Valley Hospital, Trillium Health Centre, Whitby Mental Health Centre, William Osler Health Centre, and York Central Hospital.