Thanks to provincial funding through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, the Erie St. Clair LHIN is investing in hospital infrastructure upgrades in Chatham-Kent.
The funding will help address critical infrastructure needs at local community hospitals such as:
– Structural upgrades such as roof replacements and new windows
– Upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
– Improvements such as upgrading back-up generators
– Upgraded fire alarm systems and other work needed to address requirements under the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code.
In Chatham-Kent, all three hospital corporations of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance are receiving funding as follows:
– Public General Hospital Society of Chatham: $361,290
– St. Joseph’s Health Services: $576,873
– Sydenham District Hospital: $511,642
In the 2015 Budget, the government committed to providing more than $11 billion in hospital capital grants over 10 years, including grants administered through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund. This funding is an annual allocation to assist hospitals in renewing their hospital facilities through minor infrastructure projects.
“Through this investment in hospital infrastructure, we are ensuring that patients have access to care in spaces that are safe, healthy and comfortable. These projects make a real, positive difference in the healing environment, complimenting the high quality care patients receive in Ontario hospitals,” stated Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.
“The Erie St. Clair LHIN is pleased to see our local community hospitals being supported through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund. These investments will allow more funding to be redirected to where it matters most – frontline care,” stated Gary Switzer, CEO, Erie St. Clair LHIN.
More information:
– In 2014-15, the Ontario government increased the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund to $125 million – more than doubling its investment from $56.2 million the year before. It has maintained the fund at $125 million in 2015-16
– This investment is helping connect regions, develop new economic opportunities and improve quality of life for Ontarians by supporting infrastructure projects in cities, towns, and rural and remote communities across the province
