Pediatric cardiac catheterization lab receives $5M funding

Ottawa, ON April 28, 2003 The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) received a funding pledge from the Ontario government today that includes $5 million for a cardiac catheterization laboratory.

The funding is part of an $18.3 million package, which also includes a $5 million increase in annual base funding for priority services and $8.3 million to set up a Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health.

The announcement was made today by Ontario Premier Ernie Eves, who added that his government plans to commission a review of the province’s health care system’s response to SARS. He also took the opportunity to express thanks to the province’s health care workers who have been on the front line in the battle with SARS.

“Ontario’s health care professionals have done an outstanding job in managing and containing SARS and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude,” Eves said. “Our health care system is growing and changing on a daily basis and it is important that as the system evolves it continues to meet the needs of everyone in our province.”