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Norfolk County’s Paramedics team is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Health will provide one-time funding through the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program to help ensure a more timely and efficient transfer of care for patients arriving at Norfolk General Hospital by ambulance.

The investment of over $109,000 will enhance Norfolk County’s capacity to manage patient volumes at the hospital, improving overall service delivery and reducing pressure on emergency services.

The Ministry of Health’s Dedicated Offload Nurses Program plays a critical role in reducing delays for paramedic services by providing paramedics and emergency departments with resources to manage patient offload.

In August 2023, the provincial government announced that they will be investing $51 million into the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program over the next three years. This investment will help 30 municipalities cover approximately 800,000 dedicated hours to support offloading ambulance patients in emergency departments, which will help to ensure that paramedics can get back out to their communities faster.  

Quotes  

Mayor Amy Martin

“On behalf of Norfolk County, I want to extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Health for this important funding. The Dedicated Offload Nurses Program funding will allow us to better support our local hospitals and emergency services, improving the health and well-being of our community. We look forward to continuing to work with the province to strengthen emergency health care in Norfolk.”

Norfolk County Chief, Paramedic Services, Justin Hobson

Frontline paramedics at Norfolk County Paramedic Services have been facing a steady rise in call volumes each year, putting additional pressure on the Emergency Department. This Provincial Grant represents a vital investment in Norfolk County, allowing paramedics to return to the community more quickly and respond to emergencies more efficiently.”  

Kim Mullins, VP Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Executive, Norfolk General Hospital

“The best care is the right care, and the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program is a key example of how we’re partnering with Norfolk County Paramedic Services to ensure patients receive timely care while reducing offload times for paramedics. This program plays an important role in making sure our community gets the care they need, exactly when they need it.”