Modernizing Health Care Infrastructure to Support Safe and High-Quality Care for Patients

DURHAM: Members of Provincial Parliament Peter Bethlenfalvy (Pickering-Uxbridge), Lorne Coe (Whitby), Lindsey Park (Durham), and Rod Phillips (Ajax) announced on September 29th, by news release, that the Ontario government is investing $2,159,786 to support critical health care infrastructure upgrades, repairs and maintenance in Durham Region.

“Our Oshawa, Clarington and Scugog community relies on the services provided by our local hospitals and health care providers every day,” said Lindsey Park, MPP Durham. “This infrastructure funding helps support a healthy and safe environment where our incredible health care professionals can continue to provide reliable patient-centred care to the people of Durham.”

This funding is part of the government’s $182.6 million investment in 2021-22 provided through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF) and the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund (CIRF). It will ensure patients can continue to access the care they need in safe, comfortable environments and the local health care system is prepared to respond to any scenario as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop.

Durham Region investments include: Lakeridge Health who will receive $2,086,901 from HIRF and Carea Community Health Centre who will receive $72,885 from CIRF.

“This vital funding will help Lakeridge Health and Carea Community Health Centre maintain their infrastructure and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for hospital staff and patients,” explained Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “Maintaining health care infrastructure is another example of how the government is ensuring members of our communities have access to health care services they can depend on, especially during these challenging times,” added MPP Bethlenfalvy. “The investment strengthens the health care organization’s abilities to continue to serve on the critical front line of the battle against COVID-19.”

Grants through the HIRF allow hospitals to proceed quickly with urgently needed upgrades, repairs and maintenance to their infrastructure. Grants through the CIRF allow eligible community-based Health Service Providers to address their minor infrastructure renewal projects. Projects under both streams can include replacing roofs and windows, upgrading HVAC systems, making improvements such as upgrading backup generators and meeting requirements under the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code. Contin

“Upgrading and maintaining hospitals and community health infrastructure is one more way our government is ensuring Ontarians receive the exceptional care when they need it and closer to home,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “These crucial investments will help build the capacity needed to end hallway health care while ensuring our hospitals have the tools they need to improve the quality of care for patients and continue responding to COVID-19.”

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