The Government of Ontario has announced its intentions to rebuild the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. To begin this work, Premier Doug Ford announced a $500,000 grant to fund early planning.
“I’m here today to commit to the good people in West Niagara: we’re going to build you the hospital you need. You’ve got the best front line health care staff — the nurses, the doctors, the support workers here in Niagara — they are all fantastic. But you need a facility that helps you do your job the best you can,” said Ford.
In addition to the planning grant, the Premier also confirmed that surgical and obstetric services will not be removed from the hospital for over two years. The government is also investing $8.5 million to support immediate infrastructure improvements while the early planning work for the redevelopment of the hospital is undertaken.
“The health and safety of patients across Ontario is a key priority for our government,” said Christine Elliott, Minister of Health. “That is why I am proud to announce important investments in health infrastructure like West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, so the people of Grimsby and the surrounding area have access to the high quality and reliable health care they deserve, close to home.”
On average each year, more than 25,000 individuals visit the emergency department at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, and over 2,900 are admitted to the hospital. Approximately 1,000 babies are born every year at the hospital.
The $8.5-million upgrades expected to begin in December 2018 involve the hospital’s elevator, emergency generator, fire alarm system, nurse call systems, cooling and heating, plumbing and electrical systems, and replacement of flooring tiles and selected cabinets and casework.
