Ontario increasing funding for primary care at Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic
BAY OF QUINTE – The Ontario government is increasing base funding for the Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (BNPLC) to expand access to primary care within the Quinte region, Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte announced today.
The Ministry of Health is providing the BNPLC up to $209,800 in prorated additional base funding for 2022-2023 and up to $839,200 in annualized base funding starting in 2023-2024. This investment will support the hiring of 2.6 additional nurse practitioner positions, 1.5 administration positions, a registered nurse, and a social worker.
“It is important that Bay of Quinte residents have access to quality care in the appropriate setting close to home in a timely fashion. By increasing staffing levels at the Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, we can ensure about 2,000 more people will see primary care practitioners,” said Smith. “On behalf of our government, I’d like to congratulate and thank the clinic for putting a successful proposal forward.”
Karen Clayton-Babb, the Chief Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Director at BNPLC, appreciates the new funding.
“On behalf of the Board of Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, staff, and the community we want to commend the Ministry of Health for their continued commitment to inter-professional team-based primary care. Also, we must extend our sincere gratitude to MPP Todd Smith who has been diligent with his support for the Belleville Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic (BNPLC) and the residents of the Bay of Quinte,” said Clayton-Babb. “Similar to other communities across Ontario, thousands of residents are unattached to primary care and the number continues to grow; therefore, this new investment for the expansion of BNPLC, is a step in the right direction to transform the lives of residents who have been without primary care for many years. “
The funding is part of an $8.1-million investment across Ontario in new annualized base funding to enhance access to primary care in key regions of the province, supporting 18 Family Health Teams, two Community Health Centres, and two Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics. During the review process, the Ministry prioritized proposals from communities with high needs to maintain frontline services. More than 70 proposals valued collectively at over $50 million were considered in this program. Additional allocations are anticipated.
On behalf of the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, Communications and Engagement Lead Barinder Gill said the announcement aligns with their efforts to deliver connected care within the region.
“This is great news, not only for the Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, but our communities as a whole and is an important step toward ensuring that everyone has access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time. The nurse practitioner-led clinic has been and continues to be a valuable partner in OHT work and we look forward to continuing this partnership in support of better health and wellness throughout our communities,” said Gill.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES
“This is an exciting day for Belleville and the region as a whole. This funding will go a long way in addressing the health care provider shortage we are facing and providing residents with the care they need. On behalf of the City, I would like to thank the provincial government for their support with this initiative.”
-Neil Ellis, Mayor, City of Belleville
“Expanding the nurse practitioner and support staff at the Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic means more residents in our region will have access to quality, patient-centred health care,” added Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison. “Today’s funding announcement is an encouraging step as local governments and agencies continue efforts to recruit skilled medical professionals to the Quinte area.”
-Jim Harrison, Mayor, City of Quinte West
The Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic is a critical component of the regional health-care system. We know that many people living in the northern part of Prince Edward County visit this clinic while they wait to get a family doctor. The Province of Ontario’s continued support of the Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic is welcome news for these residents who can get the care they need without having to go to the hospital and put an additional burden on emergency room resources.
-Steve Ferguson, Mayor, Prince Edward County
“It is always a pleasure to celebrate additional funding allocations for healthcare in Hastings County. We have all been witness to the extraordinary efforts of health care workers and I am thrilled that this funding will assist the operations of the Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic.”
-Bob Mullin, Warden, Hastings County
RESOURCES
- Learn about Ontario’s plan to ensure you and your family can connect to the care you need when you need it most and where its most convenient by giving you the right care in the right place, providing faster access to services, and growing our health care workforce – www.ontario.ca/page/your-health-plan-connected-and-convenient-care.
- Learn more about the Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic – www.bnplc.ca.