The Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) marked a major milestone in its $560-million hospital campus transformation, as the hospital reached Tower Interim Completion, meaning ownership of the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre, also known as the Thomson Centre, has officially transferred from builder EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare to MGH.
This milestone comes just over four years after the building’s groundbreaking at Sammon and Coxwell Avenues.
“I’m thrilled that we are marking this milestone for the Thomson Centre, the centerpiece of the largest redevelopment project in our hospital’s history,” said Sarah Downey, president and CEO, MGH.
“Over the past four years, we have watched this space come together, knowing that it will forever change the care we provide to our community. I’d like to thank our staff, the East Toronto community and our funders and donors, especially Peter and Diana Thomson, for making this possible.”
MGH will spend the next four to six months extensively preparing for the public opening of the Thomson Centre.
“This milestone represents the tremendous effort by all involved, including MGH, our consultants, subtrades, Infrastructure Ontario and the entire EllisDon team,” says Jeff McKay, vice president, Public-Private Partnerships, EllisDon. “This new tower is a great addition to the neighbourhood with state-of-the-art facilities providing the best of healthcare. Over the next two years we will continue with the balance of the project and once completed, MGH will be a beacon for the neighbourhood and a project everyone can be very proud of.”
Preparations include testing technology systems in the new building and ensuring integration with the existing hospital campus; refining security plans; and running on-site simulations and training programs for staff and physicians to prepare to deliver safe, high-quality care in a new space with new equipment, workflows and technology.
The Thomson Centre is expected to open to patients and the public this winter.
The $560-million project is funded by the Ministry of Health, MGH and donors to Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. It was constructed in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Infrastructure Ontario and EllisDon.
“We are privileged to have the opportunity to deliver this project for the East Toronto community, which will enable the delivery of efficient, accessible, and high-quality patient care,” says Michael Lindsay, president and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario. “This project is a resonant example of the work we are undertaking across the province in the healthcare space to ensure the delivery of quality care for all Ontarians. As we celebrate this key milestone with our partners at Michael Garron Hospital, we look forward to continuing to deliver this vital infrastructure project.”
The Thomson Centre was funded in part by Peter and Diana Thomson, who donated $17.5 million toward the project through the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation.
“As we prepare to open the Thomson Centre, donors at every level are heeding our calls for support. This milestone is proof positive of the power of philanthropy as an ever-growing portion of the redevelopment is funded by supporters from every walk of life – people who recognize the need for state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in East Toronto,” says Mitze Mourinho, president of Michael Garron Hospital Foundation.
“Further investment is vital to sustaining the hospital and its bright future. We are so grateful to all our donors for continuing to rise to the challenge.”
The eight-storey Thomson Centre and adjoining three-storey podium will enable the delivery of state-of-the-art, accessible, compassionate patient care, while replacing some of the oldest spaces in the hospital.
Modern, bright and thoughtfully designed, the Thomson Centre will comprise over 40% of the hospital’s total footprint and 55% of inpatient beds. It will also accommodate 80% of total outpatient visits.
The Thomson Centre will be home to a welcoming and spacious main lobby and registration area, new retail spaces, including the Moez & Marissa Kassam Food Court, four levels of underground parking and two outdoor terraces, including one open for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.
Featured image: MGH President and CEO Sarah Downey receives the ceremonial keys from EllisDon VP Andrew Anderson. (Toronto East Health Network)
