ALEXANDRA HILKENE, Minister Elliott’s Office, Ministry of Health
UXBRIDGE: As part of its plan to assist the Uxbridge Hospital to stay open, the Ontario government is investing an additional $2.5 million, to expand and build a new, modernized hospital at Oak Valley Health’s Uxbridge Hospital site, (formerly known as Markham Stouffville Hospital).
The investment will support planning for the construction of the new hospital, adding more patient beds and expanding key services such as ambulatory care and diagnostic imaging. This will make it easier for families to access high-quality care as the province continues to build a stronger, more resilient health system, better able to respond to a crisis.
“Investing in the redevelopment and expansion of Uxbridge Hospital is one more way our government is building a stronger, more resilient health care system and ending hallway health care,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This additional investment will ensure the hospital can continue its planning to modernize its facilities, so they are able to better meet the growing needs of families in the community.”
Today’s funding brings the province’s total investment to $3 million, to support the planning of an interconnected hospital campus. This will bring health care and community health providers together in three facilities, including a new hospital, a long-term care home and an ambulatory care building, to enhance the patient experience and improve access to integrated high-quality care.
The project is planned to add 11 new beds for a total of 31 beds at the Oak Valley Health Uxbridge Hospital, where it provides diagnostic and emergency services to over 23,000 patients per year. In addition, the long-term care home is planned to accommodate 92 new beds for a total of 192 long-term care beds. The redeveloped hospital will also expand key services, including diagnostic imaging, cardiorespiratory services, and laboratory and pharmacy services. As phases of the project are completed, families will be able to look forward to increased access to inpatient, emergency and ambulatory services.
“The announcement we have received approval to go to construction is an exciting step towards Oak Valley Health’s vision of a modern hospital campus in Uxbridge,” said Jo-anne Marr, President and CEO of Oak Valley Health. “This project will replace aging infrastructure with a new hospital facility, increase capacity, and enhanced services to meet the growing demands of the community. It will allow our patients and their families to receive the high-quality care they need and deserve, closer to home.”
“Today’s announcement reinforces our commitment to providing the people of Uxbridge with world-class healthcare, both now and for future generations,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “Projects like the redevelopment of Oak Valley Health’s Uxbridge site will help reduce wait times for patients and improve the quality of care and services which our community relies on every day.”
“Our government has a plan to fix long-term care, and a key part of the plan is building modern, safe, and comfortable homes for our seniors,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care. “When the new building for Reachview Village long-term care is completed, it will be a place for 192 local residents to call home, near their family and friends.”
Oak Valley Health has received government approval to construct the major redevelopment of Uxbridge Hospital, meaning; this important project is part of the government’s 10-year capital plan. The province is working with Oak Valley Health, to advance to the next stage of the capital process and ensure the project meets the health care needs of patients and families in the region.