Waterloo Region receives pediatric services funding from province

A big boost from the provincial government is coming for youth health care in Waterloo Region.

The $7.7 million announcement came Monday and will go to supporting services at the KidsAbility Centre for Child Development and Grand River Hospital. It also included the Guelph Community Health Centre.

$4.04 million will be invested into rehabilitation services at the KidsAbility Centre like speech-language pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, while Grand River Hospital is getting $2.6 million to support a rapid assessment clinic that will improve the hospital’s ability to treat more children. It will also increase access to pediatric surgeries.

The Guelph Community Health Centre is also getting $1.04 million for their midwifery programs.

The funding is part of an annual commitment worth $330 million from the Ontario government to increase access to pediatric services “in every corner of the province.”

“Our government is making record investments in the health and well-being of our children,” said Minister Of Health, Sylvia Jones. “The pediatric funding provided to services in Waterloo Region and Guelph will have a tremendous impact on children and their families, ensuring they receive faster access to care when they need it.”