Ontario expands diagnostics in LTC homes

NEWMARKET, Ont. – The Ontario government is investing in two programs in York Region that will expand diagnostic services in long-term care homes and help reduce hospital and emergency room visits. The new Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care Plus (CPLTC+) program builds off the existing Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program and allows community paramedics to deliver diagnostic services like bloodwork, ultrasound and urinalysis for long-term care residents.

The government is also providing funding to long-term care homes to receive equipment and training for diagnostic services within existing long-term care homes.

“We are investing in diagnostic care so seniors can receive the right care in the right place,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta (pictured), minister of Long-Term Care. “This funding will help long-term care residents access care in their own homes and help reduce avoidable hospital visits and 911 calls.”

The CPLTC+ program in York Region will be administered in nine homes by York Region Paramedic Services.

The government is also investing $6 million provincewide to continue the Equipment and Training Fund in 2024-25. Launched last October as part of the Your Health Plan, the fund helps long-term care homes train staff and buy diagnostic equipment so they can provide better care for residents. Investments are targeted to help buy equipment that can detect and prevent conditions that most often lead to preventable hospital visits, such as urinary tract infections, falls, pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

Last year, the Equipment and Training Fund supported more than 700 projects at close to 220 homes across Ontario. In York Region, the investments included:

• Simcoe Manor Home for the Aged in Beeton purchased a bladder scanner and urinalysis analyzer to support the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections, and cameras to support virtual health
• Mackenize Health Long-Term Care Facility in Richmond Hill purchased a doppler and electrocardiogram machine, and associated staff training to use this equipment, to support the diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure
• Mon Sheong Richmond Hill Long-Term Care Centre purchased a bladder scanner, urinalysis analyzer and oximeter to support the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections and congestive heart failure.

The government is fixing long-term care to ensure Ontario’s seniors get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve. The plan is built on four pillars: staffing and care; quality and enforcement; building modern, safe and comfortable homes; and connecting seniors with faster, more convenient access to the services they need.