{"id":917258,"date":"2026-10-02T01:32:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T01:32:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/917258\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T01:32:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T01:32:14","slug":"pressures-at-the-hospital-continue-to-rise-faster-than-funding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/917258\/","title":{"rendered":"Pressures at the hospital ‘continue to rise faster than funding’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sault Area Hospital officials are exploring cost-saving measures as they face $25.7-million deficit<\/p>\n

As Sault Area Hospital stares down a $25.7-million deficit, officials say a variety of factors are pushing its bottom line into the red \u2013 and they aren\u2019t sure how much help they will get from the province.<\/p>\n

High patient volumes, inflationary costs, and the ongoing costs of maintaining service levels are among the sustained pressures the hospital will face through the 2026-27 year.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe deficit reflects sustained patient demand and system pressures, hospital programs and services that are not fully funded, and operating costs that continue to rise faster than funding,\u201d said Brandy Sharp Young, director of corporate affairs and patient engagement.<\/p>\n

While the hospital works with Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health on its finances and long-term sustainability, there has yet to be any word on additional funding from the province to improve its financial position.<\/p>\n

Last year, funding from the province helped slash the hospital\u2019s deficit from a projected $20+ million figure to $9.4 million by the fiscal year\u2019s end.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile some hospitals have received additional in-year funding in previous years, SAH has not received confirmation of additional funding that would fully address the 2026-27 deficit,\u201d Young said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe therefore cannot assume that further funding will be provided.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although the hospital approved a $23.9-million budgetary deficit in March, that figure has continued to grow<\/a> as funding assumptions projected in this year’s budget will likely not be fully realized.<\/p>\n

As a result, hospital officials are taking a close look at cost-saving measures while keeping patient care in mind.<\/p>\n

Across clinical, operational and administrative areas, the hospital is considering measures like reducing overtime through improved scheduling and recruitment, improving patient flow and reducing avoidable hospital days, among other possibilities.<\/p>\n

However, that work is currently underway, and Young said no final decisions have been made.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will assess each option for its financial benefit and its impact on patient care, quality, access, staff, and physicians,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will not speculate on measures before that review is complete. Our priority is to identify responsible and sustainable efficiencies while protecting the services our community relies on.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the hospital faces high occupancy levels, averaging 296 patients per day this year, there\u2019s also the issue of alternate level of care patients \u2013 or those who no longer require acute hospital services, but are awaiting placement in long-term care, supportive living, or other settings.<\/p>\n

During the first quarter of the year, the hospital averaged 75 ALC patients per day, or 2,287 patient days per month, highlighting ongoing pressures beyond the hospital itself.<\/p>\n

\u201cOngoing capacity constraints outside the hospital, including limited supportive living and long-term care availability, have increased the number of patients waiting in hospital for placement,\u201d Young said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese system-wide pressures impact patient flow, contribute to sustained occupancy levels, and increase the resources required to safely provide care.\u201d<\/p>\n

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