Minister recognizes redevelopment progress at Etobicoke General

April 11, 2014 · 0 Comments

Health and Long-Term Care Minister Deb Matthews was in north Etobicoke recently to recognize the progress made in the renewal and expansion of Etobicoke General Hospital; including plans to construct a new four-storey wing.
Area MPPs Dr. Shafiq Qaadri and Donna Cansfield joined the Minister for a tour of the hospital’s recently renovated Day Surgery Unit, and spoke to staff, physicians, volunteers and supporters about the importance of the community hospital for the residents who rely on it for care.
“Government support of our redevelopment projects has been vital to Osler, as has their commitment and recognition of the importance of renovation and expansion at Etobicoke General,” said William Osler Health System Vice-Chair John Davies. “Government funding, along with investment from Osler’s Foundation, serves to create fundamental stepping stones that allow us to press forward with our exciting expansion plans.”
Etobicoke General, originally opened in 1972, is undergoing significant revitalization to meet the growing demands of its community. The new wing will bring more than 230,000 square feet of expanded facilities for the services that the community utilizes most, including renovations and expansion of the Emergency Department, renovations to the Critical Care (CCU) and Intensive Care (ICU) units, a new maternal newborn unit, new ambulatory procedures unit and a new outpatient oncology facility.
The expansion will also include a new main entrance, new retail and registration areas and an upgraded lobby in addition to expanded parking and more roadways to make the building more accessible.
“The renewal and expansion of Etobicoke General will play a significant role in helping provide greater access to the services that this community needs most,” said Osler Health System President and CEO Matthew Anderson. “We have already made tremendous progress in our redevelopment journey, thanks to a strong partnership between Osler, the government, and our community. We look forward to announcing the next major milestone in our redevelopment project in the days ahead.”
The Request for Proposals to select the Planning, Design and Compliance (PDC) team for Etobicoke General’s new wing closed in January, with the contract expected to be awarded in late March/early April. Preparations for the next phase of the project are also underway to help get the facility ready for the construction of the new wing.
“It is only through collaborative and integrated approaches to planning and care that we can continue to evolve as a health care system, responsive to the needs of our communities,” said Maria Britto, board chair of the Central West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). “Here in the Central West LHIN, we are fortunate to work with an engaged and highly motivated group of health service providers like William Osler Health System and together we are making healthy change happen.”
Etobicoke General’s emergency department is one of the busiest in the province. More than 2,500 babies were born at the hospital last year.
“Every day for more than 40 years, this community has believed in the future of Etobicoke General and this vision and commitment continues to provide for us today, as we save and change lives,” said Osler Health System Foundation Chair Kulvir Singh Gill. “Each one of us has a significant role to play in transforming health care for this community. It begins with supporting the infrastructure changes at Etobicoke General, and supporting its ongoing equipment needs. It continues by investing in the future through the new wing, and beyond.”

Etobicoke North MPP Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, Health and Long-Term Care Minister Deb Matthews and William Osler Health System President and CEO Matthew Anderson stand in front of one of the areas currently under renovation at Etobicoke General Hospital.
Submitted photo