The provincial government is investing $8.27 million into midwifery services across Ontario.
"Our government is building a more convenient and better connected health care system that puts people at its centre and improves their access to services in every corner of the province," said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
Just over half of the money, $4.82 million, will go towards expanding midwifery services in community health centres, hospitals, family health teams, and existing midwifery practices. According to the province, this money is immediately available to current programs.
The expanded services are expected to:
• Increase access to low-risk pregnancy and newborn care in both hospital and at home
• Build better integration between midwifery, newborn care, and primary care to improve transitions through every stage of care
• Connect people to more culturally appropriate health care options – including traditional Indigenous health services – and improve outcomes
The other $3.45 million will go towards supporting future initiatives put forward by health care providers.
The government is asking for health care providers to submit proposals in order to disburse the funding.
