McGinty gov’t says LTC improving

Almost 4,900 new staff – including 1,101 new nurses – have been hired since 2004 to provide quality care to residents as part of the McGuinty government’s plan to improve the quality of life at long-term care homes, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman nnounced today.  The McGuinty government is working to ensure our families and loved ones living in long-term care homes are cared for safely and with dignity,” Smitherman said. “Having more staff in homes will give families and friendsthe confidence that residents are carefully looked after and that they are enjoying a higher standard of care.” Since 2003, the McGuinty government has increased funding to the long-term care home sector by $740 million on an annual basis. This has allowed the sector to increase the size of its workforce by 4,891, from 34,068 in January 2004 to 38,960 today. This includes 1,101 new nurses. The Minister made the announcement on the same day that legislativehearings began on the proposed Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2006. The legislationwas introduced last October and, if passed, would strengthen enforcement and improve care and accountability in the long-term care home sector.

Source:  CNW Group/McGinty press release