July 19, 2007

KITCHENER – The McGuinty government is giving Grand River Hospital approval to implement the final stage of its redevelopment projects at both the Kitchener-Waterloo and Freeport sites. The government is also shouldering a larger share of the construction costs for Kitchener-Waterloo residents by providing an additional $42 million for the two sites, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"Today's announcement solidifies our commitment to building better health services in Kitchener-Waterloo," said Smitherman. "The increased investment will also mean less pressure on the community and a secure future for Grand River Hospital."

The government is providing an additional $36 million for the redevelopment of the Kitchener-Waterloo (K-W) Health Centre which will help expand adult, adolescent and children's in-patient mental health services, redevelop the Intensive Care Unit and upgrade ambulatory care, medical imaging and operating room services. The additional funding announced today brings the government's investment to approximately $82 million for the redevelopment of the K-W Health Centre.

Today's announcement also includes an additional $6 million for the Longer-Term Mental Health project at the Freeport Health Centre. The funding will support the addition of 50 Longer-Term Mental Health beds to serve the needs of Waterloo Region. The additional funding announced today brings the government's investment to approximately $12 million for the redevelopment of the Freeport Health Centre.

Projects at both sites are scheduled to begin in the fall, following the close of tenders and awarding of the construction contract to the successful bidder for each site.

"We are making sure our community continues to receive the best health care," said John Milloy MPP for Kitchener Centre. "Today's announcement brings us one step closer to seeing our newly renovated hospital come to life for the benefit of Kitchener-Waterloo area residents."

"This is a great day for residents in Waterloo Region," said Malcolm Maxwell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Grand River Hospital. "We welcome the government's commitment to providing increased access to health care services and programs for our community."

This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in health care services in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Other initiatives include :

• Over $1 million for Kitchener area hospitals to account for growth and improve emergency room processes;
• $9 million investment to assist Cambridge Memorial with infrastructure renewal and approval to proceed with the first phase of its capital project;
• A $39,636,671 increase in base operating funding for Grand River Hospital since 2003/04, representing a 26.96 per cent increase.

Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities – keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

For further information :

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