The Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and MPP for London North Centre, the Hon. Chris Bentley, Attorney General, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and MPP for London West, and Khalil Ramal, MPP for London - Fanshawe joined staff, board members, physicians and volunteers of St. Joseph's Health Care, London to celebrate the opening of the new Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at St. Joseph's Hospital. The new centre brings together diabetes care, education and clinical research in one central location to combat what is considered to be the epidemic of the 21st century.

The number of Ontarians with diabetes has doubled over the last 10 years - and has grown to over 1.04 million people as of January 1, 2010.  It is estimated that by 2016, costs related to diabetes will rise to $3.1 billion, placing a significant burden on the healthcare system in Ontario.  With an aging and increasingly obese population, the need for innovative and comprehensive diabetes care, education and research has become critical.

The new Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism is one of many new spaces recently completed as part of the second phase of a multi-phase health care restructuring project in London. Previously, diabetes care, education and research were located on three sites: St. Joseph's Hospital, Mount Hope Centre for Long-Term Care and the former Mount St. Joseph - and is now consolidated on the fifth floor of St. Joseph's Hospital. The new centre will see about 12,000 patient visits a year for clinical care and about 6,500 patients a year for education.

This phase of the hospital's redevelopment was completed on time and on budget and provided an economic boost to London and the surrounding communities. At the peak of construction, more than 100 workers were on site daily at St. Joseph's Hospital. 

The opening of the Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism further solidifies St. Joseph's Hospital as a provincial leader in ambulatory care. St. Joseph's is the primary regional site for diabetes and endocrine disease management.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will pay for 90 per cent of eligible construction costs for the project. St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation also played a significant role in providing funding for this project.  Hundreds of donors have donated more than $1 million for new centre and more than $4 million to diabetes research over the years. 

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care are working with St. Joseph's Health Care, London to redevelop the hospital, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable.  Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget. 

Contacts:

Melissa Poulin     
St. Joseph's Health Care, London  
519-646-6000 x64646     

Jessica Hooker
Infrastructure Ontario
416-327-5325

Disponible en français

Quotes: 

Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and MPP for London North Centre
“I'm pleased to be celebrating another milestone here at St. Joseph's. Having diabetes care, education and clinical research in one central location will further enhance the level of care that St. Joseph's provides to our community.”

Hon. Chris Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney General and MPP for London West 

“The opening of the new Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at St. Joseph's is another example of our government's commitment to renewing infrastructure and improving access for the people of London.”

Khalil Ramal, MPP for London - Fanshawe
“This new Centre will ensure the best access to diabetes care for Londoners who will need to come here each year.”

Cliff Nordal, President and CEO of St. Joseph's Health Care, London
“Through the dedication and collaborative work of physicians, nurses, educators, dieticians, researchers and others at the Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, St. Joseph's is playing a critical role in the management of a disease being called the epidemic of the 21st century. It is here we are searching for new treatments, new care models that will keep patients healthy and reduce the toll of diabetes.”