July 20, 2007

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is increasing access to health care services for Perth and Smiths Falls area residents by approving the expansion and renovation of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

“Our government is committed to providing better access to health care services across the province, and that depends upon ensuring high quality care in our local hospitals,” said Smitherman. “We are pleased to announce that Perth and Smiths Falls area residents will soon have improved hospital facilities, to better serve their needs.”

The project will involve redeveloping the patient care, environmental and support service areas of the Smiths Falls site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. It will also include the demolition of the east wing and construction of a new wing to improve health care services.

“We are very pleased that the government is making this important investment in our facility and the health of our community,” said Brandi Machan, Board Chair, Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. “The community support has been phenomenal on this project, and we are very grateful.”

“This announcement will enable us to forge ahead with our commitment to delivering unparalleled care to our patients,” said Todd Stepanuik, CEO, Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. “We look forward to having shovels in the ground in April.”

The Smiths Falls redevelopment project is one of several hospital projects approved under ReNew Ontario, the government’s five-year, $30-billion plus infrastructure investment plan, which includes $5 billion for health care infrastructure.

ReNew Ontario is a comprehensive plan to modernize and replace many of the province’s hospitals, schools and post-secondary institutions. It will also support the provincial economy through investments in transportation, transit and research and by accommodating growth.

Construction at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital is expected to begin as early as April 2008.

This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in health care services in the South East Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) area. Other initiatives include :

• The creation of 15 Family Health Teams
• Funding at least 200 new nursing positions in the South East LHIN
• 833 new and redeveloped long-term care beds in communities such as Belleville, Napanee and Brockville
• A $4,100,368 increase in base operating funding for the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital since 2003/04.

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 :

Members of the general public :
416-327-4327, or 1-866-532-3161

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