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, this funding will help hospitals maintain their infrastructure and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients to receive care.
North York General Hospital will receive $2.5 million for 2020 and 2021 through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund. These investments will support replacing transformers, lighting panels, roof coverings and a water main.
The announcement was made today by Robin Martin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health, Vincent Ke, MPP for Don Valley North, Stan Cho, MPP for Willowdale, and Roman Baber, MPP for York Centre.
“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.
“We thank the Government of Ontario for this important investment in the care and experience of patients and families at North York General Hospital,” said Dr. Joshua Tepper, President and CEO of North York General Hospital. “These crucial infrastructure repairs will help us ensure safe and healing spaces for patients at our General and Branson sites for years to come.”
“Today, after many long months of shared challenges and concerns, I feel encouraged by the good news that NYGH will receive necessary funding to help it sustain and improve its operations.” said Vincent Ke, MPP for Don Valley North.
“As we continue our fight against COVID-19, it’s never been more important that our health care providers and frontline workers have the facilities they need to continue providing care in a safe environment,” said Robin Martin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health. “We will continue to ensure Ontarians can receive the care and services they need and deserve now and for generations to come.”