MOHLTC announces $1.3M in funding to support the transfer of neonatal patients

HAMILTON, ON – Today, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) announced one-time funding of $1.3 million in 2019 for the Hamilton Paramedic Service (HPS).

This funding will ensure that a dedicated ambulance, staffed by local paramedics is available 24/7 to transport a neonatal team and babies from referring hospitals to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at McMaster Children’s Hospital site (MCH) of Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS). The NICU provides the highest level of assessment, stabilization and treatment to critically ill newborns.

MCH’s 70-bed NICU is the largest in the province and one of the largest in Canada. Approximately 550 babies are transported by the MCH NICU Transport Team throughout the region each year.

“On behalf of the members of Hamilton Paramedic Service (HPS) I want to thank the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for its investment in neonatal care in Hamilton. HPS is proud to partner with McMaster Children’s Hospital, one of the most advanced neonatal intensive care units in the country and the unique array of programs and clinics aimed at improving the health outcomes of children.” - Michael Sanderson, Chief Hamilton, Paramedic Service

“This investment will allow our highly skilled Neonatal Transport Team to reach critically ill newborns in our region as quickly as possible, while reducing our response times in bringing expert neonatal intensive care to the patients and families we serve.  We look forward to working in partnership with Hamilton Paramedic Service.” - Kelly Falzon, Director, Women & Newborns Health, Hamilton Health Sciences

Quick facts

• This agreement with the MOHLTC will fund 100% of the required capital equipment and wages and benefit costs of this dedicated ambulance resource; this agreement will be extended from year to year as mutually agreed.
• MCH is home to the fastest-growing kids-only emergency department in Ontario, one of Canada’s most advanced neonatal intensive care units, and a range of programs and clinics with unique expertise in a number of areas including children’s cancer, digestive diseases, and mental health.