Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop and Huronia District Hospital in Midland today responded to the announcement made yesterday by Health and Long-Term Care Minister Tony Clement. The announcement included one-time funding of up to $180,000 and $60,000 annually to help hospitals provide the antivenin necessary to treat patients with rattlesnake bites.

"MPPs like myself and Norm Miller brought this serious matter to the attention of Minister Clement," said Dunlop. "We need to protect not only our constituents, but also the many tourists who visit the Georgian Bay area."

"The new funding from the Ministry is good news for our patients and our communities since we will no longer have to absorb this cost out of our operating budget," said Gord Key, Executive Director, Huronia District Hospital (HDH). "It will enable our hospital to provide the very best treatment in the world for rattlesnake bites. We would like to thank our local MPP, Garfield Dunlop, for his continuing efforts to help us with funding challenges like this one."

The cost of the treatment for rattlesnake bites increased from about $250-$1,300 per vial this year. Each patient can require as many as 5-20 vials. To date, three patients have reported to HDH?s emergency department after being bitten by Massassauga rattlesnakes. Two of these patients required treatment with antivenin.

The North Simcoe Hospital Alliance (NSHA) embarked on a rattlesnake bite prevention campaign this summer after realizing that antivenin was in short supply in the province. With help from the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre and Parks Canada, the NSHA produced an information sheet with simple ways of avoiding snakebites. An easy and effective rule is to always wear proper footwear such as hiking boots and socks, and use a flashlight on paths and trails when out in the dusk or dark. Copies of the information sheet are available in the emergency department at HDH, the main reception desk at Penetanguishene General Hospital, or by calling 526-1300 ext. 3136.