Stevenson Memorial Hospital receives $1 million for Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) has received funding from the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) to support the creation of a Level 2 ICU. In 2017, a proposal was submitted to the Central LHIN and Critical Care Services Ontario (CCSO) regarding the need for ICU beds at SMH to meet the current and future patient needs.
Four Level 2 ICU beds will be available for patient care within the current facility. Minor construction will need to take place in order to accommodate the new equipment and to facilitate a proper ICU. These beds will not be in addition to the current bed complement but will be repurposed as existing beds with additional resources that will be used for any patient in need.
“Having these Level 2 ICU beds available will enhance the high quality care that our patients already receive at SMH,” says Dr. Barry Nathanson, Chief of Staff, SMH. “This opportunity will allow us to keep and manage locally some of the patients whom we have traditionally had to send to other facilities. It will extend our capabilities in caring for patients with more complex needs, including support for a patient with a single failed organ system, advanced levels of breathing support or post-operative care needs.”
Project planning is currently underway including a staffing model, training and a timeline for implementation. The Level 2 ICU could be complete by the end of this year.
“This critical care funding is important to address the growing clinical needs in this community, says Jody Levac, President & CEO, SMH. “Small and medium hospitals play essential roles in overall healthcare service delivery. Providing this type of care, closer to home will alleviate the travel and stress faced by families in crisis. Patients who need critical care have a serious or life threatening injury. With careful planning and implementation of these Level 2 ICU beds, we are setting a new standard for community hospital care.”
SMH is currently in the planning stages and awaiting approval for a future redevelopment, including a new and revitalized Emergency Department, operating facilities, refreshed outpatient clinics and new Laboratory, doubling the square footage of the hospital and tripling the amount of parking spaces available. In support of this, along with SMH’s annual priority capital needs, the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation is preparing to launch the Because of You, We Can Campaign this fall. The $1 million in funding to support ICU beds will enhance our current services and help position us towards a five-bed ICU planned in the redevelopment.
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.
