Ontario trying to meet any surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
$52.5 million set to help recruit, retain and support over 3,700 more frontline health care workers and caregivers.
The money is part of the COVID-19 fall preparedness plan, Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19.
“It’s the thousands of nurses, personal support workers, and other frontline workers who have made the difference in the fight against COVID-19,” indicates Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s significant investment will allow us to recruit, retain, and quickly deploy a militia of health care heroes, caregivers, and volunteer professionals to care for our seniors and most vulnerable and ensure our health care system is prepared to deal with any outbreaks or surges in cases.”
Personal Support Workers and Supportive Care Workers
- $14 million Personal Support Worker training funds
- $10.3 million Personal Support Worker Return of Service Program (includes $5,000 incentive to 2,000 recent graduates for a six-month commitment to work in these settings)
- $1.3 million to train 160 supportive care workers to provide basic home support services
- $700,000 in accelerated PSW training for 220 students with prior health experience to practice in Ontario.
Nurses
- $18 million Ontario’s Nursing Graduate Guarantee program
- $8 million to add over 800 nurses to the health system in areas of need
Frontline Workers, Families and Caregivers
- $200,000 to improve the matching algorithm for the Ontario Matching Portal
- Expansion of training, tools and resources available to frontline workers
- Updating visitor policies for congregate care settings, including long-term care, that promote family and caregiver involvement to support better care and reduce isolation
