Ont. Liberals announce $35 million extra for London hospitals in next year’s budget

London North Centre Liberal MPP Deb Matthews said St. Joseph’s Health Care will receive an additional $11 million for next year’s budget while the London Health Sciences Centre will get an extra $24 million.

The boost is part of a province-wide program in which Ontario hospitals will receive an average a 4.6 per cent increase funding in the next fiscal year.

READ MORE: Ontario Liberals announce $822M boost for hospitals

Lori Higgs, chief financial officer at St. Joe’s, said the additional funding will go a long way to helping patient care.

“I think additional funding will help offset some inflationary pressures,” Higgs said. “We’re looking forward to seeing details of the funding letter to know where we might be able to make incremental investments to further enhance.”

READ MORE: Ontario Liberals propose $2.1B to ‘rebuild’ mental health system

The extra cash will kick in on April 1, which is the start of the next fiscal year.

Higgs said it’s her understanding the funding is not contingent on who wins the provincial election.

— With files from 980 CFPL’s Jess Brady and Jake Jeffrey.