The Ford government is setting aside $250 million for the next wave of primary health care teams.

Primary care teams are intended to connect people to a range of health professionals who work under one roof, including family physicians, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, social workers, and others.

More than 130 are already in place across the province.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones is looking for another 75.

“That will connect half a million more people to a primary care clinician,” says Jones.

“This brings us another step closer to connecting everyone in Ontario to a primary care clinician by 2029.”

Jones announced in June funding of $235 million, helping the more than 130 primary care teams connect primary care services to more than 300,000 people.

Many of the teams are in place and accepting new patients.

“I am thrilled to share that the Health Care Connect waitlist has already decreased by more than 98,000 people, over 42%. Our plan is working,” says Jones.

Applications for funding are now being accepted.

The government expects to announce the location of the successful teams next spring.