CEO Concerned With Future Funding For Hospitals

The CEO of the Dryden Regional Health Centre says northern hospitals need more money from the provincial government.
Wade Petranik says the total hospital budget for Ontario is about $7-billion, and Northern Ontario hospitals only see 6% of that.
Petraink notes that area spans Parry Sound to the Manitoba boundary.
He stresses northern and rural hospitals are constantly trying to find ways to save money, while maintaining services.
Petranik says one suggestion mentioned is moving minor services out of hospitals and into clinics.
Petranik stresses he has some concerns with that idea.
He says many hospitals are also looking at shifting from acute care to family care.
The Dryden Hospital did post a surplus budget this year but officials note it’s becoming a more difficult challenge.