Toronto hospital reaches construction milestone

mgh team
Andrew Anderson, Sarah Downey, the MGH redevelopment team and supporting staff

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Just over four years after a ground-breaking at Toronto’s Michael Garron Hospital, EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare reached a milestone with Tower Interim Completion, transferring ownership of the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre to MGH.

“This milestone represents the tremendous effort by all involved, including MGH, our consultants, subtrades, Infrastructure Ontario and the entire EllisDon team,” says Jeff McKay, vice-president, oublic-private partnerships, EllisDon.

“This new tower is a great addition to the neighbourhood with state-of-the-art facilities providing the best of healthcare. Over the next two years we will continue with the balance of the project and once completed, MGH will be a beacon for the neighbourhood and a project everyone can be very proud of.”

micahel garonMGH will spend the next four to six months extensively preparing for the public opening – testing technology systems in the new building and ensuring integration with the existing hospital campus; refining security plans; and running on-site simulations and training programs for staff and physicians to prepare to deliver safe, high-quality care in a new space with new equipment, workflows and technology.

The Thomson Centre is expected to open to patients and the public this winter.

“I’m thrilled that we are marking this milestone for the Thomson Centre, the centerpiece of the largest redevelopment project in our hospital’s history,” says Sarah Downey, president and CEO at MGH.

“Over the past four years, we have watched this space come together, knowing that it will forever change the care we provide to our community. I’d like to thank our staff, the East Toronto community and our funders and donors, especially Peter and Diana Thomson, for making this possible.”

mgh handoverThe $560-million project is funded by the Ministry of Health, MGH and donors to Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. It was constructed in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Infrastructure Ontario and EllisDon Peter and Diana Thomson donated $17.5 million toward the project through the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation.

The eight-storey Thomson Centre and adjoining three-storey podium will enable the delivery of state-of-the-art, accessible, compassionate patient care, while replacing some of the oldest spaces in the hospital. It will comprise over 40% of the hospital’s total footprint and 55% of inpatient beds. It will also accommodate 80% of total outpatient visits.

Along with a spacious main lobby and registration area, there will be new retail spaces, including the Moez & Marissa Kassam Food Court, four levels of underground parking and two outdoor terraces, including one open for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.

Some of the features in the Thomson Centre include:

  • 80% single rooms: The Thomson Centre will replace 215 of the hospital’s existing patient beds; 80% of these will be single rooms, allowing patients to recover in privacy
  • Chronic Disease Unit
  • Carswell Family Centre for Medical Education
  • Simulation Lab
  • Surgery Inpatient Unit
  • New mental health facilities

Upon completion of the Thomson Centre, demolition will begin on five of the hospital’s oldest wings to renew existing spaces and allow for enhancements including the construction of an outdoor community hub with spaces for play and cultural programming and a welcoming, accessible main entrance to the hospital.

“We are privileged to have the opportunity to deliver this project for the East Toronto community, which will enable the delivery of efficient, accessible, and high-quality patient care,” says Michael Lindsay, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario. “This project is a resonant example of the work we are undertaking across the province in the healthcare space to ensure the delivery of quality care for all Ontarians. As we celebrate this key milestone with our partners at Michael Garron Hospital, we look forward to continuing to deliver this vital infrastructure project.”

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