Ontario adding 766 new hospital beds across province

With the COVID-19 pandemic in a mounting second wave, the Ontario government announced additional funding on Tuesday to add 766 more hospital beds across the province.

Premier Doug Ford said an additional $116.5 million would be earmarked to increase hospital capacity, while reducing wait times.

“This investment will help reduce surgical backlogs and improve access to care during COVID-19,” the province said in a release.

“The funding is in addition to the $2.8 billion the province is providing in the government’s COVID-19 fall preparedness plan.”

Ford reiterated that his government is committed to ending hallway health care and said the new funding would be used at 32 hospitals and alternative health care facilities.

“We are taking another step today to keep that promise by adding hundreds more hospital beds across the province. This will not only ensure we are ready for any surges in COVID-19 cases, but provide patients with the care they need and deserve close to home.”

More to come