MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT IMPROVING COMMUNITY CARE, BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIESNew Comminity Health Centre Satellite Will Improve Access to Primary Care in York West

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is building new Community Health Centres (CHCs) with a new satellite centre in York West by the end of 2006 to improve access to primary health care, Mario Sergio, MPP for York West announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

The new centre will be located within the Jane & Finch area and will be a Satellite expansion for the Black Creek Community Health Centre.

“This new Satellite will be critical in providing primary care and improving lives within our community,” said Mario Sergio, MPP.  “CHCs and their respective Satellites are key in strengthening and empowering communities by designing programs to address specific problems and issues identified within those communities.

CHC teams include physician, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, pharmacists and nutritionists.  This model of primary health care is highly effective for all Ontarians – including those who face access barriers, such as language, poverty, physical disabilities or geographic isolation.

Currently, over 300,000 Ontarians benefit from the services offered at 54 CHCs and 10 Satellites across the province.  Boards of directors, composed of clients, recognized community leaders and respected health and social service providers, design programs and services to meet the specific needs of the communities they serve.

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, George Smitherman announced a total of 22 new Community Health Centres and 17 satellites across the province by 2008.

“Community Health Centres not only treat illness, they also address the conditions that cause illness and help foster a better sense of community,” Health and Long-Term Care Minister, George Smitherman said.  “These additional CHCs and satellite centres will help us build healthier communities by serving an additional 220,000 Ontarians.”

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to build a health care system that delivers on three priorities – keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

For more information, contact:
Mario Sergio, MPP
York West
416-585-7007