BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Provincial Government to ensure adequate funding for the operational costs of municipally owned long-term care facilities so that operational deficits do not become the financial burden of municipalities.

Response from Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Health:

Regional health authorities and municipally owned long-term care facilities are expected to enter into agreements that reflect the cost of providing the agreed upon care level of service based on available funding resources.

For your information, Section 34(1) of The Regional Health Services Act requires that a regional health authority shall not provide funding to a health care organization unless the regional health authority and the health care organization have entered into a written agreement.

Although a significant portion of the provincial budget is allocated to health care, resources remain limited. Balancing efficient and effective service delivery with client-need continues to be an area of focus for the health regions and the Ministry of Health. Efficiencies are being encouraged through increased use of shared services, including bulk purchasing. Savings will also be realized through targets to reduce operating costs through lost time due to injuries, “premium” pay and reduced employee sick time.

It is my expectation that the regional health authorities and their affiliate organizations will work together to achieve a sustainable system.