Erie Shores HealthCare seeking recruitment funding from Leamington

Erie Shores HealthCare is looking for financial support from the Town of Leamington to help withrecruitment efforts.

Leamington Town Council opened its meeting with a presentation and proposal from hospitalleaders on Tuesday evening.

Erie ShoresCEOKristen Kennedy and Erie Shores Health Foundation executive directorChristine Colautti asked that council invest $20,000 per year over the next 15 yearsto help cover the costof recruitment.

"We have certainly pressedupon the region and the province that we are a key player in delivering health care," Kennedy said. "It really is around recruiting the highest-calibre physicians within our communities."

Hospital among top 10across Ontario

Over the course of the last year, Erie Shores HealthCare has seen a significant increase in attendance and in-patientvisits. According to Kennedy, in-patient occupancy has increased by 30 per cent this year, with emergency room visits increasing by 10,000.

"Within the last 18 to 24months, Erie Shores has become one of the top 10 ... performing hospitals within emergency rooms in the entire province," Kennedy said.

Colautti made the case that the supportwould give momentumto the fundraising campaign.

"Our patients, your constituents,will enjoy shorter wait times, better access to care and avoid those trips to [Highway]401 to get the help that they need," Colautti said.

Council expressed overall support for the initiative but a decision will be made in the near future.