$10M from Ontario for North Bay Regional Health Centre

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is announcing $10 million in funding from the Ontario government for the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

This funding includes both a $2.2-million reimbursement for the hospital’s lost revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic and a one-time $8-million top-up investment to address additional operating and financial pressures.

Hospitals are feeling financial challenges not only through direct costs but also through the loss of other forms of revenue such as parking and the reduction of retail services, all of which contribute to patient care and support clinical services.

There are two components to the funding shares NBRHC President/CEO Paul Heinrich. "The first amount is to cover unrealized non-ministry revenues, including retail, which is critical to our sustainability. The second amount represents recognition by the Province of NBRHC’s specific underlying structural deficit related to funding levels. The receipt of these funds removes the burden of financial uncertainty and will allow our team to focus on providing the best care for our patients."

“The North Bay Regional Health Centre is a bedrock of our community, providing critical life-saving services to those who need it,” says Fedeli. “Our government will continue to make historic investments in healthcare, so everyone has access to timely, quality care that is close to home.”

Heinrich adds, "We are grateful to Minister Fedeli and the Province for their unwavering support of our local health needs.”

The funding announced Friday is in addition to the $2.6 million in COVID reimbursements announced in January, $1.9 million in March, and $2.4 million in additional operating funding announced for the 2021-22 year as hospitals recover from financial pressures created and worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.