Earlier this year, Ross Memorial submitted an operating plan to the MOHLTC, which indicated an operating budget deficit of $4.3 million. The additional funding leaves the Hospital with a remaining deficit of approximately $0.5 million.

“We are very appreciative of the additional base funding from the Ministry of Health,” says Leo Boyle, Vice President, Finance, Ross Memorial Hospital. “This confirms the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to providing support for the health care services offered at our Hospital. This additional funding will certainly assist us in reducing our current deficit. It is important to note that Ross Memorial has always ensured that patient care is the number one priority and this will not change. Since 1995/96, Ross Memorial Hospital has been one of the most cost efficient hospitals in the Province and in order to maintain this efficiency, we are always looking for ways to increase revenue and reduce expenses so that we will be better able to serve the health care needs of the residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes.”

The Hospital’s deficit is attributable to a number of factors, including higher patient volumes, inflationary cost pressures, and operating deficits carried forward from the previous two fiscal years. The Hospital will continue to discuss the remaining deficit with the MOHLTC over the next few weeks.