Provincial infrastructure funding for Ajax-Pickering Hospital to help “end hallway health care”
Published September 30, 2021 at 9:24 am
The Ontario government is injecting more than $2.1 million into upgrades, repairs and maintenance of Durham Region’s health care infrastructure.
Five members of Provincial Parliament, including Health Minister Christine Elliot and all four Conservative Durham Region MPPs, made the funding announcement Tuesday, part of $182.6 million invested in 2021-22 through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund and the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund.
Elliot said the money will help “end hallway health care.”
“These crucial investments will help build the capacity needed to end hallway health care, while ensuring our hospitals have the tools they need to improve the quality of care for patients and continue responding to COVID-19.”
Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Finance Minister and the Pickering-Uxbridge MPP, said the funding will help local health care facilities maintain their infrastructure while ensuring a “safe and comfortable environment” for staff and patients. “The investment
strengthens the health care organization’s abilities to continue to serve on the critical front line of the battle against COVID-19.”
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As the pandemic lingers into its 19th month and hospitals fight against the fourth wave of the virus, the funding will help ensure that patients can continue to access the care they need in safe, comfortable environments and that the local health care system is prepared to respond to any future scenario, said Whitby MPP and Chief Government Whip Lorne Coe.
“Hospitals have been at the centre of the pandemic from day one providing excellent care for our sick and vulnerable, and responding to the various outbreaks without hesitation.”
“Clearly, this additional care comes at a cost, so as a government we must step up and support them.”
The bulk of the money will go to Lakeridge Health, which will receive $2,086,901 through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, with the remaining $72,885 to be delivered to Carea Community Health Centre. Those funds will be provided by the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund.
Grants through these programs allow hospitals and community-based health service providers to address repair and maintenance problems like roof and window replacements and upgrading HVAC systems and making improvements such as upgrading back-up generators and meeting Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code requirements.
“This infrastructure funding helps support a healthy and safe environment where our incredible health care professionals can continue to provide reliable patient-centered care to the people of Durham,” said Durham MPP Lindsey Park, a sentiment shared by Ajax colleague, Rod Phillips. “Crucial investments in HVAC systems, medical gas systems, and back-up generators will assist in improving capacity and safety for patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and for years to come.”
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