Eastern Ontario Hospitals Seek $15M Funding for AI Health Tools

As hospitals in Eastern Ontario face a surge in influenza cases, the **Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH)** is advocating for **$15 million** in funding from the provincial government to implement advanced artificial intelligence (AI) healthcare technologies. This initiative is part of a proposal submitted during the **2026 pre-budget consultations**, aimed at establishing a “**Health Technologies Innovation Transition Fund**” to assist non-academic and rural hospitals in adopting Ontario-made solutions.

Dr. Andrew Falconer, the president and CEO of QCH, highlighted the potential of AI in enhancing patient care. He explained how AI tools can analyze data recorded by nursing staff, such as blood pressure and pulse rate, to predict adverse health changes in patients. “Using predictive analysis, we can identify which patients may be at risk of deteriorating,” Falconer noted. He emphasized that certain technologies could monitor patients in emergency waiting areas, enabling staff to prioritize those who need urgent care.

Currently, QCH is operating at **120 percent capacity**, forcing staff to treat patients in unconventional areas, including hallways and dining rooms. The proposed AI tools, including solutions from **Signal 1** and **Hero AI**, both Canadian companies, aim to improve operational efficiency. “These technologies will facilitate better scheduling for outpatient procedures, surgeries, and diagnostic imaging,” Falconer stated. “They have been successful in larger centers and it’s time to deploy them in community and rural hospitals.”

Expansion Plans Amid Growing Demand

In addition to the funding request for AI healthcare tools, QCH is seeking provincial support for its expansion plans. The hospital’s emergency department, designed to accommodate **63,000 patients annually**, is now facing over **83,000** visits, with projections estimating **100,000** visits by **2028-29**. Falconer described the urgent need for expansion, stating that the current capacity issues will only worsen. “We are looking to increase our emergency department and inpatient unit size significantly. While implementing AI will help optimize existing resources, it will not fully resolve the capacity challenges we face.”

The proposed expansion would increase the emergency department’s size by approximately two-and-a-half times and add **90 new inpatient beds** along with enhanced outpatient services. Falconer expressed hope for provincial support, indicating that the hospital is prepared to begin construction as soon as funding is secured.

Support for the expansion has been echoed by opposition members of provincial parliament (MPPs). **Chandra Pasma**, the Ontario NDP and Ottawa West—Nepean MPP, noted, “They have a plan to build that is ready to go as soon as the funding is there. I hope this funding will be included in the budget so that the west-end of Ottawa has timely access to healthcare.”

In a similar vein, **George Darouze**, the Progressive Conservative MPP for Carleton, acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding the hospital’s expansion with the Ministry of Health. “While we recognize the need for expansion, today’s focus was on securing the **$15 million** for AI improvements,” he stated.

As Eastern Ontario hospitals grapple with increasing patient numbers, the call for financial support to implement innovative healthcare technologies reflects a broader need to enhance healthcare delivery and address capacity challenges.