Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario is investing $2.5 million to the redevelopment of Lakeridge Health’s hospital site in Bowmanville. Funding will be used to offset the costs of planning the renewal and expansion of the hospital’s infrastructure.
“Durham is one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario and Bowmanville Hospital had its last major expansion over 30 years ago,” said Durham MPP Lindsey Park.
“Today’s announcement will help modernize our community hospital and ensure Lakeridge Health can deliver better patient-centered and timely care, both now and into the future.”
As part of this project, the current Bowmanville Hospital will be redeveloped through a mix of new construction and renovations to the existing facility.
In addition to the redevelopment project, Ontario is also supporting the development of an interim helipad for Bowmanville Hospital to improve safety for patient transfers while the redevelopment project is being completed. Funding for the interim helipad will be separate from the $2.5 million planning grant provided for the redevelopment project.
“This is an unprecedented time for health care across the region as Lakeridge Health builds an integrated acute care system to better serve people living and working throughout Durham Region,” said Cynthia Davis, president and CEO at Lakeridge Health.
“This important renovation and expansion will provide modern facilities for our talented team to deliver care that will improve the patient experience and enhance access to those programs and services our community needs most.”
Ontario’s 2020 budget outlines the government’s significant investments with a focus on health care and long-term care. This includes the total investment of $351 million for more than 2,250 new beds at 57 hospitals and alternate health facilities across the province.
“Part of what makes Clarington such a great place to live is access to quality health care services at our local hospital, said Sharon Cochran, chair, Lakeridge Health Board of Trustees.
“Moving to the next stage of expanding and revitalizing Bowmanville Hospital brings us one step closer to ensuring the community will have access to high quality health care for generations to come.”
The chair of Bowmanville Hospital Foundation called the announcement great news for the region.
“Today’s announcement is exciting and we are thankful for the attention and interest we continue to receive from our government, hospital staff, and community,” Chris Kooy said. “It’s a great way to begin the New Year and this is a big step forward towards meeting the growing health care needs of people and communities across Clarington and beyond.”