Earlier this year, Ross Memorial submitted an operating plan to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), which indicated an operating budget deficit of $4.3 million. This deficit is attributable to a number of factors, including higher patient volumes, inflationary cost pressures, and operating deficits carried forward from the two previous years, which are still under discussion with the MOHLTC. As well, as directed by the MOHLTC, Ross Memorial did not include any funding increase from the Ministry for 2003/04. A number of discussions and exchanges of correspondence with Ministry officials have taken place and are ongoing in an attempt to secure additional operating funding.

“We are working very diligently to address the current deficit situation and have open lines of communication with the Ministry of Health regarding this matter,” explains Anthony Vines, President and CEO, Ross Memorial Hospital. “Both the Board of Governors and Administration are concerned about the Hospital’s financial position. At the same time, we have been directed by the Ministry not to reduce patient care services and staff and consequently, this is not under consideration at this time.”

Ross Memorial is also in discussion with the MOHLTC regarding the new and expanded programs and services, which will be available over the over the next several months as a result of the capital expansion project. New programs at the Ross include Rehabilitation, Palliative Care and Mental Health Services.

“These are all much needed programs for the residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes and we are hopeful that we will soon be in a position to increase our recruitment efforts in order to attract the necessary additional staff to operate these programs,” says Vines.

Ross Memorial anticipates being able to provide further information as the MOHLTC allocation of funding and other related initiatives are provided in the near future.