The Ontario government is providing $8.7 million planning grant for a new rural hospital in Prince Edward County.
On Friday in Picton, Premier Doug Ford announced the funding for the new Quinte Health Care Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. Ford says once complete, the facility will replace the existing 61-year-old facility, expand capacity, improve access to quality care, and help end hallway health care for patients and families in Prince Edward County.
“Our government continues to make critical investments in our hospitals from one end of the province to the other,” said Ford in front of the hospital on Main Street East.
“Today’s investment is the first step in delivering a new hospital for the people of Prince Edward County that will not only create jobs and support local suppliers during construction, but once built, deliver quality patient-centred care in the community for years to come.
“This is just absolute fantastic news for Picton and all of Prince Edward County,” he added.
The new hospital will include:
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- six additional in-patient beds, bringing the total to 18 in-patient beds in private rooms, with the ability to expand to 23 beds for future capacity
- a larger, 24/7 emergency department that will provide more space for staff and patients
- modern surgical suites to deliver care with the best technology available;
- dialysis treatments and diagnostic imaging
- outpatient care services including minor surgical procedures such as endoscopies.
- improved parking
Chrstine Elliot, deputy premier and Minister of Health, called the new hospital an “incredible project.”
“Investing in major hospital infrastructure like the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital will help patients and families receive the connected, high-quality care they need, when they need it, close to home,” Elliott said. “This investment is part of our government’s plan to end hallway health care and build a modern and connected health care system centred around the needs of patients.”
Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, says the announcement will help continue the province’s path to end “hallway medicine.” He says for nearly a decade there have been multiple town halls, campaigns and planning — much led by Quinte Health Care — to replace the existing hospital.
“Today’s significant investment for planning provides tangible evidence that a new state-of-the-art Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital will be built to meet the evolving and emergent needs of this community,” Smith said. “Our government’s commitment to this project will strengthen the health care system in our region and bolster the local economy and residents’ quality of life.”
The province says the helipad currently located at the hospital will be relocated to a nearby location, ensuring patients continue to receive emergency air transport and access to critical care services. Following a design, the new hospital procurement is expected to begin in 2021.
Mary Clare Egberts, president and chief executive officer of Quinte Health Care, says building a new hospital represents a collaborative effort reinforced by the “unwavering support” of their partners and community.
“We have all spoken with one voice about the need for a new hospital in Picton and the government has heard this message and has taken action,” Egberts said. “We are grateful for today’s announcement, which provides the necessary funds to support the next stage in planning for our new hospital.”
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