The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is receiving a $1.8-million boost from the Province of Ontario, to go toward “critical infrastructure priorities” at both the Wallaceburg and Chatham sites.
Overall, the province announced $175-million in funding to 128 hospitals across Ontario on Wednesday.
Upgrades coming to Wallaceburg & Chatham sites
“Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is delighted with this particular announcement,” said Lori Marshall, president and CEO, in a teleconference with the media.
“It is $1.8-million to the Alliance for what I would say are really critical infrastructure priorities at both of our sites. The investments really allows us to continue to deliver the quality of care that our community deserves. So definitely we are very pleased with the investment that we received.”
Marshall added: “This is a fund that has been in place for a number of years. It is a long standing approach to funding hospitals infrastructure.”
At the Wallaceburg site specifically, the funds will be used to address asbestos issues, replace some windows and address some PA issues.
“Some of the key pieces there are around asbestos abatement and that probably speaks for itself in terms of why that would be a priority in removing hazardous materials,” Marshall said.
Jerome Quenneville, vice president, CFO and CIO, said the asbestos work will be done in the areas where they don’t have patient care.
“So we are trying to do some of the areas like the old kitchen area… that is somewhat related to the power plant installation, but not directly. So while we are in that neighbourhood we are trying to clean that up.”
Quenneville said the CKHA is looking at replacing the windows on the west end of the Sydenham Campus.
“Basically from top to bottom,” he said.
“What we are having in some leakage on each of the levels as they are older type frame windows and we really do need to seal the envelope so to speak from the elements… we to expect that end of the building to be standing for some time.”
Marshall added the PA system at the Wallaceburg site is in need of some upgrades.
“Making sure that everyone can hear announcements when they are required and those kinds of things,” she said.
Marshall said at the Chatham site, the floor in the operating room is in need of replacement, as it is just under 20 years old.
“So wear and tear over the years and something that is important particularly in an operating room from an infection control and those kind of perspectives,” Marshall said.
“It needs to have good integrity.”
Quenneville added: “It is a fairly advanced floor system that we are in the process of installing in there and it is especially designed for operating rooms. You can use intense cleaners on it multiple times a day between each surgery so that way it can stand up to that kind of process. It is not your normal type of flooring that you would find in other hallways.”
Quenneville the floor installation will be “somewhat labour intensive” and they will try to complete it during downtime.
“They have to pull up the old floor to be able to put down the new floor system,” he said.
“So it is a bit of a work and of course we don’t want to affect surgery.”
Marshall said a new dehumidification system and fire system are other projects the funds will be used for.
In terms of the power plant construction schedule at the Wallaceburg site, the CKHA is still waiting to hear from the Ministry.
“At this point, we don’t have timing,” he said.
Minister McNaughton happy with the funding
Lambton-Kent-Middlsesex MPP Monte McNaughton, now the Minister of Infrastructure in Ontario, said he was thrilled with the announcement, which brought $5.5-million in funding to hospitals in his riding.
“Help announced for three of our local hospitals in Newbury, Wallaceburg, and Strathroy,” McNaughton said on social media.
“Can’t help feeling a bit proud today announcing infrastructure funding for, among others, the Four Counties hospital. I was inspired to public service by my grandfather, Jack McNaughton. Jack was Reeve of Newbury for more than 25 years. His lasting achievement was getting the Four Counties hospital built..
McNaughton added: “Thanks Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, Premier Ford and Minister Christine Elliott for letting me build on his legacy.”
$175-million invested overall
Provincial Government officials said in a press release they are prioritizing the health and safety of patients by taking immediate action and providing 128 hospitals across the province with funding to upgrade, repair and maintain their facilities.
On Wednesday, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, was at The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario to make the announcement.
“The health and safety of patients and families is a priority for our government,” Elliott said in a press release.
“That’s why we must make the necessary investments in our hospitals now, to ensure our providers have the facilities they need to continue to provide excellent quality care to patients. This funding will help ensure hospitals across Ontario are able to make the needed upgrades, improvements and maintenance so patients and families have access to reliable, quality care they expect and deserve.”
Provincial Government officials said the government is moving forward quickly to address challenges facing the health care system as it develops a long-term transformational health care strategy to end hallway health care.
As this important work continues, this funding will allow hospitals to address urgent issues, including upgrades or replacements of roofs, windows, heating and air conditioning systems, fire alarms and back-up generators, Provincial Government officials said.
“Our government is investing in essential health care projects to ensure the people of Ontario will have health care services they can depend on now and for future generations,” stated Elliott.
“We will continue to listen to the patients and the people who plan and work on the frontlines. Together, we will create a health care system that works for the people of Ontario.”
More details from the Provincial Government:
– Ontario is investing $175 million in repairs and upgrades to 128 hospitals this year through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund.
– In 2018-2019, the government has invested an additional $90 million for 1,100 beds and spaces in hospitals and the community, including the creation of over 640 new beds and spaces.
