Oak Valley Health was announced yesterday as one recipient of a funding increase provided by the Ontario government to help support a range of services we provide for children, youth, and expectant mothers.

The $2.3 million received will go toward our Preschool Speech and Language program, children’s rapid access at our Community Health Clinic, Alongside Midwifery Unit, Complex Care Clinic, and Emergency Department at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

“We welcome this further investment in the health and well-being of our youngest patients,” says Jo-anne Marr, our President and CEO. “This funding will allow us to deliver both new and enhanced paediatric services.”

Hospital staff lead a tour inside our Alongside Midwifery Unit to a group that includes members of our senior leadership team and Dawn Gallagher Murphy, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Health.

The funding we received will be specifically used to:

  • Increase access to early intervention services through our Preschool Speech and Language program.
  • Assess, diagnose, and treat more children and youth over the age of six months who are experiencing urgent, non-life threatening conditions through children’s rapid access at our Community Health Clinic.
  • Help more expectant mothers conveniently connect to our Alongside Midwifery Unit which provides specialized birthing care to infants and families in a more relaxed and comfortable environment.
  • Provide complex continuing care closer to home by expanding our Complex Care Clinic and upskilling staff.
  • Increase the number of people who can be seen, triaged, and cared for on-site in the Emergency Department at Markham Stouffville Hospital by supporting diversion clinics that connect people to care in the right place instead of going to emergency departments.
Hospital staff, members of our senior leadership team, and Dawn Gallagher Murphy, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Health, outside our Alongside Midwifery Unit.

This funding in paediatric care will help us reduce waitlists and improve access to clinical assessments, early intervention, and children’s rehabilitation services. Which means less time waiting for services, quicker recovery, and better quality of life for children and their families.

“We can support families closer to home, and ensure they receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” says Jo-anne.

View the full media release by visiting the Government of Ontario’s newsroom.