A new hospital in Whitby, Ont., is set to be built and operational within 10 years, according to Health Minister Sylvia Jones who made the announcement on Thursday.
The province has allocated $12 million in capital planning grants to Lakeridge Health as it develops a master plan for various health-care projects across the Durham region, located east of Toronto.
“We are building, with Lakeridge Health, a hospital in Whitby,” Jones stated. “Congratulations.”
Jones and Premier Doug Ford were present in Oshawa, Ont., on Thursday to reveal support for this long-term project in the area.
Lakeridge intends to add 300 new hospital beds throughout the region. This includes renovations at a hospital in Bowmanville, Ont., along with a new post-acute care facility in Pickering, Ont., aimed at rehabilitation and recovery.
The province and the hospital are also exploring options for redeveloping Ajax Pickering Hospital.
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“This expansion is part of an integrated and truly regional plan to provide people in Durham with more connected and convenient care,” Ford mentioned.
![Click to play video: 'Tensions continue to rise between Province and Whitby over hospital in Durham']()
2:20 Tensions continue to rise between Province and Whitby over hospital in Durham
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Earlier this year, Whitby launched an advocacy campaign seeking firm commitment from Ford and his government after they had repeatedly indicated that a new hospital was coming but no action had been taken yet.
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The campaign included four prizes aimed at residents as part of their effort to rally support. Prizes included a year-long family health club membership, an Apple watch, plus two activity packs featuring backpacks and towels.
This campaign grabbed Ford’s attention back in April.
“Folks, that is wrong; you can’t be doing that,” Ford remarked at that time.
“Elected officials cannot be pulling these games. We’ve committed to make sure we have a hospital in Durham. We’re going through this process without being bullied by that mayor out there who’s constantly offering everything under the kitchen sink.”
Ford emphasized that even though an expert panel recommended two years ago that Lakeridge Health place the new facility at a specific location within Whitby, it would ultimately be up to the province where exactly it would go.
The mayor confirmed that plans are indeed for construction on that specific site mentioned earlier.
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Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Lakeridge Health CEO Cynthia Davis described it as an “exciting day.” “Not only will we be able to move forward with the planning for the hospital in Whitby, but we’ll also have an opportunity to look more broadly throughout the Durham region, particularly regarding some of the gaps we see related to complex continuing care and rehab,” Davis said. The announcement was welcomed by Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “I am absolutely thrilled that the province of Ontario has recognized the urgent need for a new hospital in Durham Region and announced a capital planning grant for Lakeridge Health,” Roy expressed.
2:20 Tensions continue to rise between Province and Whitby over hospital in Durham
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Earlier this year, Whitby launched an advocacy campaign seeking firm commitment from Ford and his government after they had repeatedly indicated that a new hospital was coming but no action had been taken yet.
Story continues below
The campaign included four prizes aimed at residents as part of their effort to rally support. Prizes included a year-long family health club membership, an Apple watch, plus two activity packs featuring backpacks and towels.
This campaign grabbed Ford’s attention back in April.
“Folks, that is wrong; you can’t be doing that,” Ford remarked at that time.
“Elected officials cannot be pulling these games. We’ve committed to make sure we have a hospital in Durham. We’re going through this process without being bullied by that mayor out there who’s constantly offering everything under the kitchen sink.”
Ford emphasized that even though an expert panel recommended two years ago that Lakeridge Health place the new facility at a specific location within Whitby, it would ultimately be up to the province where exactly it would go.
The mayor confirmed that plans are indeed for construction on that specific site mentioned earlier.
& copy 2024 The Canadian Press
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