Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care joined Markham-Unionville MPP Michael Chan, Oak Ridges-Markham MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek, hospital officials and health care partners this afternoon to celebrate the completion of the new patient wing at Markham Stouffville Hospital.
The four-storey, 385,000-square-foot building includes new emergency, mental health, diagnostic imaging and maternal child units, opened its doors to patients on March 10, 2013. Work will soon commence on the second phase of the project, which involves renovating the original building.
In addition to the health-care benefits, the project continues to provide a boost to the regional economy by supporting and creating jobs. At the peak of construction activity, approximately 300 workers were on site daily, with 25 to 40 per cent of the workforce coming from the Region of York. When the project is finished in August 2014 the expanded hospital is expected to employ an additional 875 staff and attract 60 new physicians to the area.
Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care are working with Markham Stouffville Hospital to manage the redevelopment project, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable.
Infrastructure Ontario is a crown agency of the Province of Ontario that delivers large, complex infrastructure renewal projects on time and on budget. Over the last six years, the province has applied Infrastructure Ontario's alternative financing and procurement model to 83 major projects valued at approximately $38 billion, saving taxpayers an estimated $3 billion. Infrastructure Ontario also manages one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada, provides municipalities and eligible public sector clients with financing to renew public infrastructure, and leverages its private-sector expertise to manage major commercial transactions on behalf of the province.
Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca or www.msh.on.ca for more information.
Quotes:
Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
“I'm extremely proud to see Markham Stouffville Hospital's redevelopment project being delivered on time and on budget. The new, state-of-the-art facility follows the principles of our Action Plan for Health Care which is to improve access to quality care and provide vital health services for residents close to home.”
Michael Chan, MPP for Markham-Unionville
“It has been such a rewarding experience to be part of the transformation of health care in our community. On my frequent visits to the hospital during construction of the new wing, what has been most impressive is the heartfelt commitment of every single person involved and the tremendous leadership that has guided each stage. With the completion of phase one, this is truly exciting progress and I extend my sincere congratulations on such a great achievement!”
Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham
“Since before I was elected and up until this project was announced, this new capital expansion was a top priority for me and my constituents. I am so happy to witness firsthand the opening of this state of the art facility and to recognize the important role this site will play in the lives of families in our communities moving forward.”
Janet Beed, President and CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital
“We would not be celebrating this momentous occasion without the tireless support from our staff, physicians, volunteers and community. Moving in to the new building is just phase one of our multi-year expansion and renovation plan. We look forward to continued support from our community as we work to meet the needs of our growing population for many years to come.”
Contacts:
Lisa Joyce
Markham Stouffville Hospital
905-472-7032
Zita Astravas
Minister's Office
416-327-9728
Mandy Downes
Infrastructure Ontario
416- 327-5246
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