NEWS RELEASE
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Receives $500,000 Stage 1 Planning Grant Funds
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Tecumseth, ON – On November 13th, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care released the $500,000 Stage 1 Planning Grant funds to Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH). The money has been used to prepare the responses to questions remaining from the October 2015 Stage 1 submission and in the preparation of the Draft Stage 2 submission. This grant represents a significant step forward towards a redeveloped SMH. The original planning grant announcement was made on February 12, 2017 at Stevenson Memorial Hospital.
“We are thrilled to have the Ministry’s support for this critical next step towards our redevelopment,” says Jody Levac, President and CEO, Stevenson Memorial Hospital. “This vote of confidence from Minister Elliott’s office will move us forward, and help to ensure that we are able to complete our Draft Stage 2 submission before the end of the year.”
Over the past year, SMH has worked in close collaboration with the Central Local Health Integration Network (CLHIN) in addressing the questions that arose from the Stage 1 submission. In addition, SMH continues to work collaboratively with the Minister's office, Capital Branch, and the CLHIN in ensuring the planned redevelopment meets the growth and medical needs of the surrounding community. The Draft Stage 2 has been developed and is expected to be submitted by December 2018.
“Our government is investing in essential health care infrastructure projects so that patients and families have access to quality care when and where they need it,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier of Ontario and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “This planning grant will help Stevenson Memorial Hospital advance the capital planning process for future growth of the hospital, so that it can continue to provide the high quality care that New Tecumseth, and all of the surrounding communities expect and deserve.”
The redevelopment of SMH was the top political issue in the most recent provincial elections for this community. The plan includes increasing the size of SMH from 72,000-square-feet to over 161,000-square-feet, in addition to significant investment in essential equipment upgrades. The planned improvements and upgrades are necessary, as the communities that SMH serves are projected to grow from 73,000 to over 100,000 in the next 13 years.
About Stevenson Memorial Hospital:
Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is a progressive, acute care, community-based hospital located in the Town of New Tecumseth that offers 38 inpatient beds and a range of outpatient diagnostic and treatment services, including cataract, general surgery, maternal childcare and dialysis, as well as an Emergency Department with 24/7 coverage.
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For further information contact:
Corporate Communications
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
Communications@smhosp.on.ca
705-435-3377 Ext. 4281
