Ontario investing over $5 million to cardiovascular surgery services

The Ontario government is investing over $5.2 million to support a cardiovascular surgery program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

It is part of a comprehensive plan to cut surgical wait times and improve access to care.

Cardiovascular surgery is currently not offered in Northwestern Ontario.

The province says 206 patients had to travel outside of their area in 2020 and 2021, with most travelling over 10 hours to Toronto.

Existing space at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre will be renovated to include more beds, a new surgical suite, pre-admission clinic, a vascular lap, and updated medical devices.

The Ontario government will also support the hospital during the COVID-19 crisis by increasing its funding with over $4.4 million.