The Government of Ontario, a Canadian province, has committed to invest C$175m ($132m) for critical upgrades, repairs and maintenance at 129 hospitals.
This funding will be available through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund. It is intended to allow hospitals to maintain their infrastructure and provide a safe setting for patients.
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Minister of Health and Deputy Premier Christine Elliott said that Trillium Health Partners will be provided more than C$3.4m for projects across all three sites.
Projects involve replacement of HVAC systems, installation of new nurse call systems for patients and repair of roofs and elevators.
Elliott noted: “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.”
Hospitals can use the new funds to address urgent concerns such as upgrade or replacement of roofs, windows, security systems, backup generators and fire alarms.
Of the total funding, C$50m has been allocated for Covid-19 related and other urgent projects.
Ontario Hospital Association president and CEO Anthony Dale said: “Ontario hospitals greatly appreciate this investment in critical infrastructure projects as it will improve quality of care for patients in communities across the province.
“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.”
In July this year, the Ontario government partnered with North York General Hospital on a pilot project focused on providing patients with direct access to a long-term care bed at the hospital.
If the pilot demonstrates early success, the approach may be expanded to other hospitals and long-term care homes in Ontario.
