Halton Healthcare is receiving $1.5 million in provincial funding to increase access to mental health services for children and youth.
Officials say the money will be used to expand services at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for young people with eating disorders by connecting them with social workers, dietitians, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists and pediatricians to help them re-establish consistent eating patterns.
The funds will also help expand Halton Healthcare’s Navigator Program to provide more support to children and youth who are at risk of hospitalization.
Melissa Farrell, president and CEO of Halton Healthcare, said the funding will provide easier access to specialized care closer to home.
“This new funding will also allow us to better support children, youth and families in navigating their care journey and allows us to bolster much-needed specialized supports for youth with eating disorders, making sure they get the personalized care they need for their overall well-being," Farrell said.
The Ontario government identified 100 high-priority initiatives for pediatric services across the province. The money Halton Healthcare is receiving is part of $5.6 million in funding in Halton and Peel regions.
ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development will receive $3.7 million to increase access to children’s rehabilitation services, including speech-language pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Funding is also being provided for preschool speech and language programs.
There will also be $400,000 to expand emergency department diversion clinics, such as the Mississauga Pediatric Care Clinic, to provide treatment options other than emergency departments.
“The pediatric funding provided to services in Peel and Halton regions will have a tremendous impact on children and their families, ensuring they receive faster access to care when they need it,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones.
The Province said the funding should ensure that Peel and Halton regions have the people, resources and technology to improve access to pediatric care and prevent backlogs.