Media Release
September 15, 2020, OWEN SOUND – Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker has announced local hospitals will receive a total of $4,690,901 through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund.
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 (HIRF), this funding will help hospitals maintain their infrastructure and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients to receive care.
Hospitals receiving funding include: Grey Bruce Health Services – $1,917,799, Hanover and District Hospital – $608,085 and South Bruce Grey Health Centre – $2,165,017.
“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 control measures.
“This is important funding for our local hospitals. HIRF funds assist hospitals in renewing their facilities, including upgrades, repairs and maintenance projects,” said Walker. “Our government is providing critical funding for hospital infrastructure that will ensure patients and families have a safe environment to receive the high-quality health care they need.”
“We are very grateful to the provincial government for these infrastructure funds,” said GBHS President and CEO Gary Sims. “With six older hospitals and an addictions treatment centre in Grey Bruce, facility maintenance is extremely costly, and requires constant attention. These funds are critical to the safe delivery of health care.”
