MPP announces $25.6M to BGH; Hospital addresses accumulated debt

Brockville, ON – September 23, 2021 – At a small but joyous announcement at Brockville General Hospital (BGH), Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes announced an investment of $25.6 million to address hospital debt following years of inequitable funding.

“BGH continues to provide exceptional care to patients and families in our community and this massive one-time investment ensures that BGH is placed in a stronger financial position, able to grow and thrive to meet the needs of our community,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds, Grenville, Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.  “Strengthening our community hospital has always been of paramount importance and I am very pleased to again be announcing a very significant infusion of funds to support high-quality and timely access to health care both during the pandemic and in the future.”

In 2016, BGH was appointed a provincial supervisor by the Province to review BGH’s financial challenges. In the final report, it was noted that BGH had been experiencing significant decreases in funding, leading to a seriously low working capital. BGH has incurred approximately $525,000 annually in operating interest alone.

The Province’s investment of $25.6 million will be used to pay off debt, stabilizing hospital finances and freeing up dollars to invest in healthcare workers and hospital services.

“For years, Ontario’s medium sized hospitals have faced inequities in government funding,” said Michael Adamcryck, Chair of the Board of Directors at BGH. “Prior to 2017, in order to sustain services for the community, BGH’s past administrations had to make the difficult decisions to operate through financial loans, resulting in excessive debt. Following today’s announcement of $25.6 million, BGH’s operating finances are in good stead. Combined with our strong leadership team, BGH is well poised to deliver excellent patient care for years to come. Thank you to the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Health and MPP Clark for investing in our community’s health.”

Hospital operating costs are largely dependent upon government payments. These dollars support the day-to-day business of the hospital, such as providing medical care, access to hospital programs and services, regulated health professionals, supplies and medications needed for patient care.

Hospital infrastructure, equipment and technology (capital costs) are made possible by way of generous community support, including donors and local businesses, through the Brockville and District Hospital Foundation. Investing in modern equipment and technologies is vital to BGH as physicians and staff use these tools every day to test, diagnose, and treat patients.

Looking ahead, BGH is well positioned to continue to care for the growing healthcare needs of the Leeds Grenville community. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have safely and compassionately cared for patients from across Leeds Grenville and Ontario. Last fall, through the generosity of our community and the Province, BGH expanded with the opening of the Donald B. Green Tower.

“Thank you to our staff, physicians and volunteers who have carried the weight of this debt. This excessive debt resulted in approximately $525,000 annually of interest expenses - has meant less dollars to invest in our people and services,” shared Nick Vlacholias, President and CEO at BGH. “Today’s funding announcement of $25.6 million will be used to pay off our debts. More importantly, it enables us to be ambitious in how we invest in local healthcare. To ensure the best for our patients and healthcare workers, BGH is committed to strengthening our role as a local and regional health partner.”

To support increasing patient care needs, the hospital is also recruiting. Nurses, doctors and support staff are encouraged to visit the hospital website, www.brockvillegeneralhospital.ca/careers.

Contact
Abby McIntyre
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Brockville General Hospital
613-341-1202
AMcIntyre@brockvillegeneralhospital.ca