The Ford government’s announced it’s investing $57.6-million over the next three years to recruit and retain up to 225 additional nurse practitioners for nursing homes.

”Today’s investment supports our plan to bolster staffing in long-term care and continue to address the need for more health care capacity across the sector,” according to Long-Term Care Minister Paul Calandra.

”Recruiting and retaining more nurse practitioners will not only improve health outcomes for our residents but also provide opportunities for growth and learning for staff within long-term care homes.”

The funding also provides up to $5,000 in relocation support for nurse practitioners who are hired to work full-time in rural communities and who have agreed to work at least 12-months.

Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario says the announcement ensures ”residents get safe, quality and timely care in place, in their homes.”