Download Media Release - 200914_HIRF_Waterloo Region.pdf
The Ontario government is investing $175 million this year to address critical upgrades, repairs and maintenance in 129 hospitals across the province, including $50 million for COVID-19 related and other urgent projects. Through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, this funding will help hospitals maintain their infrastructure and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients to receive care.
In Waterloo Region, St Mary’s General Hospital, Grand River Hospital, and Cambridge Memorial Hospital will receive a combined total of over $ 3 million for 2020 and 2021 through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund. This funding will be allocated to the following projects:
- $658,295 to Cambridge Memorial Hospital for the replacement of the Heating System in Wing C.
- $1,238,425 to St. Mary’s General Hospital for work on the north-facing building exterior, air handling units, and roof.
- $1,364,765 to Grand River Hospital for elevator replacements, ceramic floor/wall and ceiling replacements, brick repairs, the replacement of the main electrical switchgear and panel, and upgrades to building automation at Freeport Campus and ambulance bay roof replacement and replacement of reverse osmosis system at KW Campus
“Maintaining hospital infrastructure is another example of how our government is ensuring that Ontarians have access to health care services they can depend on, especially during these unprecedented times,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Our ongoing investments to support essential projects like repairing roofs and windows and adding more isolation spaces can make a big difference to a patient's experience. It’s part of our plan to build the capacity we need to end hallway health care in Ontario.”
As the government continues to work toward bringing Ontario's world class health care system into the 21st century, this funding will help hospitals address urgent issues such as upgrades or replacement of roofs, windows, security systems, backup generators and fire alarms. Projects will also support the hospitals in their ongoing response to COVID-19, such as updating HVAC systems to enhance patient and staff safety, creating additional isolation space and negative air pressure flow rooms to increase capacity and enhancing infection prevention and controlmeasures.
Joint Statement from Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris and Kitchener-South Hespeler MPP Amy Fee
“As our communities continue to take steps to stop the spread of COVID-19, our government is supporting our region’s hospitals with funding to make necessary improvements so they can continue providing local residents with the highest quality of care possible. This $3 million investment in local hospital infrastructure will help ensure patients and their families in Waterloo Region continue to access world-class care in safe and accessible facilities”.
Quotes
“We thank the government for their continued support in maintaining health care infrastructure. This funding is vital for hospitals, allowing them to focus on patient care and maintain the services they provide to communities. This year’s Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund grant will be used to replace the heating system in Wing C, our oldest patient care facility that was built in the 1950s. This is an important and timely upgrade for us as we have two inpatient units scheduled to move into this care facility in the fall. These units will remain there for the next four years as the final phase of our construction project involving the complete refurbishment of Wing B gets underway”said Patrick Gaskin, President and CEO of Cambridge Memorial Hospital
“St Mary’s is grateful for this funding, which will allow us to proceed with work on our aging north-facing building exterior, our air handling units, and roof” said St. Mary’s President Lee Fairclough. “Even though infrastructure improvements are not typically associated with providing care, renewing hospital infrastructure is critical to our ability to continue to provide care safely and efficiently”.
“Grand River Hospital is grateful for these investments in the health of our community. This funding is an important part of ensuring safe and improved facilities that will support the exceptional care we provide, today and for generations to come”, said Ron Gagnon, Grand River Hospital President and CEO
QUICK FACTS
• Ontario is investing an additional $7.4 million to address ongoing urgent and/or emergent infrastructure renewal needs for community health service providers who met specific criteria on a priority basis, through the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Improving Health Care in Ontario
• Hallway Health Care: A System Under Strain
• Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect the people of Ontario from COVID-19
MEDIA CONTACTS
Emily McLaughlin
Office of MPP Mike Harris
Emily.mclaughlin@pc.ola.org
226-752-8498
Carol-Ann Breton
Office of MPP Amy Fee
carol-ann.breton@pc.ola.org
519-242-3331
