Family Health Team welcomes provincial funding - hiring new staff

The Amherstburg Family Health Team is excited to receive a share of recently announced provincial funding.

As part of a recent announcement made by Essex MPP Anthony Leardi, the province is investing more than $1,421,400 this year to connect up to 4,022 people to primary care in Essex County. 

Leardi stated over 4,000 people in Essex County will have primary care thanks to the provincial government. 

Frank Minardi, executive director with the AFHT, said that will help with staffing, including a new part-time nurse practitioner.

“That’s huge and creates more access for our patients,” said Minardi.

Administrative help will also be hired with the AFHT’s share of the funding. 

Minardi also pointed out programming will be created with the Harrow Health Centre.

“We’re in the midst of hiring for those positions,” said Minardi.

There will be more space to roster patients and more programming, he added, with Minardi stating a doctor is returning to the AFHT in June after having a child.

Minardi said they will likely receive $300,000-$400,000, though he told the RTT earlier this month he is awaiting the final amount. He said they are grateful to receive funds, having originally applied last fall.

“The three of us (Amherstburg, Lakeshore and Harrow) started the application process in September and October,” said Minardi. 

The application for funding was submitted to the province last November.

Minardi said there was a call for submissions and this was the second round of applications the three Essex County health care partners submitted.

“We already offer great programs for our patients,” said Minardi. “We’re excited to offer more for the community of Amherstburg.”

For more information on the Amherstburg Family Health Team, call 519-736-7770 or visit their website at www.afht.ca. 

Family Health Team welcomes provincial funding - hiring new staff

By Ron Giofu