CHEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and Hamilton Health Sciences’ McMaster Children’s Hospital welcome the announcement of annualized funding for Ontario’s Extensive Needs Service (ENS), which supports children with urgent, complex developmental needs and their families.

The funding is part of the 2026 Ontario budget released on March 26th, marking an important milestone for the long-term delivery of coordinated, patient and family-centred services across the province.

Since the ENS program launched in April 2023, the three hospitals and more than 30 community partners have supported more than 1,100 children with urgent and complex developmental needs and their families in Ontario close to home each year, providing access to individualized and coordinated care that does not exist anywhere else in the health-care system.

Early outcomes show improvements in children’s health and family wellbeing, as well as fewer hospital admissions and emergency department visits. These results highlight the value of the ENS model in improving access to care while reducing pressure on hospitals and emergency services. Permanent funding will enable ENS to continue delivering coordinated services that respond to children’s needs and support families in their communities.

CHEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and McMaster Children’s Hospital thank the Government of Ontario for its continued commitment to children and families. 

Quotes

“Today is an important day for children with urgent, complex developmental needs — and for their families supported by the Extensive Needs Service (ENS). Thank you to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services for their commitment to permanent base funding for the ENS program. In partnership with CHEO, McMaster Children’s Hospital and more than 30 community partners, we can continue delivering the right care, when and where it’s needed. This inclusive, innovative, first-of-its-kind model is helping children thrive, supporting family stability and strengthening communities across Ontario.”

Bruce Squires, President and CEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

“We’re very proud of what the Extensive Needs Service has made possible – reducing the barriers that families sometimes face when navigating the health care system by bringing together experts from many different disciplines. Today’s announcement is a recognition that this approach works – underscoring the value of crafting interdisciplinary care around the complex needs of patients and families, so that children can live their best lives”

Vera Etches, President and CEO, CHEO 

“The innovative Extensive Needs Service (ENS) program supports children with urgent and extensive needs and their families by providing access to timely, individualized, wraparound services to address their needs. Hamilton Health Sciences’ McMaster Children’s Hospital has worked with our lead agency partners and community partners across Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk, Niagara, Waterloo, and Halton to bring these services closer to home. With permanent funding, more children and families will be able to access the right care, at the right time, in their own communities. We are grateful to the Honourable Ministers Jones and Parsa and the provincial government for this important and life-changing investment for Ontario’s children.” 

Dr. Tamar Packer, Interim VP, Women’s & Children’s Health and President, Hamilton Health Sciences’ McMaster Children’s Hospital

By Suelan Toye