Funding will support new physician assistants and support direct patient care at Lakeridge Health
NEWS May 19, 2026
DURHAM — Ontario is continuing to deliver on its commitment to protect Ontario’s health-care system by investing in hospitals and frontline health-care resources across the Durham Region.
Through this investment, Lakeridge Health will receive $824,903 in one-time funding to support additional capacity for priority programs, allowing the hospital to address increased demand for services and continue to reduce wait times for patients. In addition, Lakeridge Health will receive $138,000 to through the Physician Assistant Career Start (PACS) program to support three physician assistants (PAs), helping to enhance patient care capacity and improve service delivery across the hospital system.
Durham Bone and Joint Specialists will also receive $92,000 through the PACS program to support two physician assistants, strengthening access to specialized orthopedic care for patients across the region.
Supervised by physicians and working as physician extenders, physician assistants provide patient care in a range of settings as members of inter-professional health care teams, helping decrease wait times and improve patient access to services in high need areas.
“Our government remains committed to building a strong publicly funded healthcare system so that Ontarians can access medical treatment wherever and whenever they may need it” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “The funding of this additional $824,903 for Lakeridge Health to support vital programs and $230,000 for 5 Physician Assistants represents the continued investment our government is making to enhance patient care capacity and improve service delivery, ensuring Durham residents have access to the right care at the right time.”
These targeted investments will support faster access to care, strengthen hospital capacity and ensure patients in Whitby and across the Durham Region receive fast and more convenient care closer to home.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our Government is continuing to take action to reduce wait times and improve access to care for patients in Whitby and across Durham Region,” said Lorne Coe, MPP Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security. “By supporting Lakeridge Health and investing in additional frontline health-care professionals, we are helping ensure families can receive timely, high-quality care closer to home.”
These initiatives are part of the government’s ongoing plan to modernize Ontario’s health-care system, expand access to key services and improve the patient experience across the province.
QUOTES
“We’re so grateful to the Ontario government for the continued investment in Lakeridge Health and the people of Durham Region. Today’s funding announcement will have a direct impact on the overall health of the population – helping us continue to reduce wait times, meet growing demand, and keep delivering the quality care our communities deserve. The support for our physician assistants is equally meaningful. These skilled professionals strengthen our entire team and help us care for more patients, faster.”
- Cynthia Davis, CEO, Lakeridge Health
-30-
MEDIA CONTACTS
| Eric Hutchins, Office of Lorne Coe, MPP Whitby 905-430-1141 Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org |