Ontario Investing in Hospital Upgrades and Repairs in Hamilton
HAMILTON — 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.
The announcement was made today by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. As part of this funding, Hamilton Health Sciences will receive $7 million and St. Joseph’s Healthcare will receive $2 million to support various projects including upgrades to roofs, windows, security systems, backup generators and fire alarms.
“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 Elliott. “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 hospitals in their ongoing response to COVID-19, such as updating HVAC systems to enhance patient and staff safety, creating additional isolation spaces and negative air pressure flow rooms to increase capacity, and enhancing infection prevention and control measures.
“Ontario hospitals greatly appreciate this investment in critical infrastructure projects as it will improve quality of care for patients in communities across the province,” said Anthony Dale, President and CEO, Ontario Hospital Association. “Today’s announcement is particularly important as it will help strengthen hospitals as they continue to serve in the months ahead as the anchor of the Province’s response to the pandemic.”
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.
