Blanche River Health (BRH) in-patients who rely on the hospital’s patient transfer service to bring them to medical appointments as far away as Timmins, North Bay, Sudbury and beyond will benefit from a $1.3 million investment by the Ontario government. 

The funding was announced by Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier of Ontario and Minister of Health, and Jorge VanSlyke, President and CEO, Blanche River Health.

“Our government is protecting emergency health services while ensuring patients receive the right level of care in the right place, no matter where they live,” said Jones. “This investment will help more Northern communities to make use of this innovative program and ensure that ambulances and paramedics are available when they are needed most.”

Up to $428,000 in annual funding has been allocated to the patient transfer service from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2027. An estimated 2,250 trips for in-patients will be provided over the three year period. 

“This much-appreciated funding will ensure patients continue to receive the care they need, despite the barrier of distance,” said VanSlyke. “The transfer service allows Blanche River Health patients to access essential treatments, consultations, and follow-up care without the added burden of arranging long-distance travel."

VanSlyke also emphasized the broader support for the initiative, noting, “This funding commitment, coupled with last year’s donation of two new patient transfer vehicles by the Blanche River Health Foundation, highlights the importance of this program and the appreciation of the patients who rely on it."

This investment reinforces the government’s commitment to improving health care accessibility for Northern Ontario residents, ensuring that distance is not a barrier to receiving high-quality medical care.

About Blanche River Health

Blanche River Health (BRH) is a 69-bed hospital corporation with two sites serving the North Eastern Ontario communities of Englehart (21 beds) and Kirkland Lake (48 beds) as well as residents in surrounding areas. Our mission is to make health care work for you. 

BRH values people and continuous improvement and we demonstrate this through accountability, respect, and courage to excel. 

Please direct media inquiries to: Communications and Public Relations

1-866-274-7774 ext. 2144 | communications@blancheriverhealth.ca

Pictured, left to right: 

Carol Ann Marcoux, Manager, Inpatient Unit & Allied Health Care, Penny Ferguson and Chelsea Patrizio, Patient Transfer Attendants, pose with one of the patient transfer vehicles, which the Ontario government has announced a $1.3 million in funding for the patient transfer program.