BARRIE - Today is the deadline for the pre-qualified building teams to submit their proposals to build and finance the hospital's Phase I Expansion project, which includes the addition of the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre. 

The Royal Victoria Hospital Phase I Expansion project will nearly double the size of the existing hospital, adding more than 400,000 square feet of new space. It will provide a regional cancer centre to bring services closer to home for cancer patients throughout Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. 

The project will help the hospital to ensure timely access to services and to meet the needs of a growing population. It will provide:

  • the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre which will log more than 60,000 patient visits in its first year;
  • Capacity for 101 additional inpatient beds; 
  • An Emergency Department that will triple in size and have a trauma unit, isolation ward and mental health crisis team; 
  • An expanded laboratory;
  • A Diagnostic Imaging Department that will double in size to increase patient flow and privacy;
  • Two additional operating rooms that are larger than existing suites for complex surgeries; and
  • A dedicated seven-bed Coronary Care Unit for critically ill cardiac patients. 

Over the next few months, Royal Victoria Hospital and Infrastructure Ontario will evaluate the bidders' proposals based on criteria set out in the request for proposals (RFP). The successful bidder is expected to be announced in early 2009.

“The proposal submissions mark another important milestone for health care in our community," said Barrie MPP Aileen Carroll. "This investment is an example of the McGuinty government's commitment to building a health care system that keeps Ontarians healthy.”

“The extraordinary support of the province and the people of our community is making the dream of an expanded Royal Victoria Hospital a reality,” said Janice Skot, President and CEO of Royal Victoria Hospital. “This milestone means we're one step closer to bringing care closer to home for patients across our region.”

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care are working with Royal Victoria Hospital 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.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information. 

Contacts: 

Jennifer Sclisizzi 
Infrastructure Ontario 
416-325-7409 

Suzanne Legue 
Royal Victoria Hospital 
705-728-9090 extension 41600