In an effort to end hallway health care, the Ontario government is investing $2.5 million for the redevelopment of Lakeridge Health's hospital site in Bowmanville. This funding will be used to help with the costs involved in planning the renewal and expansion of the hospital's infrastructure.
An article in Lakeridge Health states that the announcement of this hospital development was made by Lindsey Park who is a member of Provincial Parliament for Durham and Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General on behalf of Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
"Durham is one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario and Bowmanville Hospital had its last major expansion over 30 years ago. Today's announcement will help modernize our community hospital and ensure Lakeridge Health can deliver better patient-centered and timely care, both now and into the future."
Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham | Lindsey Park
The project will consist of the current hospital being redeveloped through a mix of new construction as well as renovations to the existing facility to help Lakeridge Health deliver high-quality health care that meets the needs of those living in Bowmanville, Clarington and surrounding areas.
Plans also call for supporting the development of an interim helipad for Bowmanville Hospital. The interim helipad will improve the safe transfer of critical patients to and from Bowmanville Hospital while the redevelopment project is being completed. The support of the interim helipad will be separate from the $2.5 million planning grant provided for the redevelopment project.
Ontario's 2020 Budget outlines the government's significant investments with a focus on health care and long-term care. This includes the total investment of $351 million for more than 2,250 new beds at 57 hospitals and alternate health facilities across the province.
For Lakeridge Health, the government has invested in the following:
- More hospital beds for patients with COVID-19
- Added six additional ICU beds
- 24 additional beds for Acute Care
- 40 additional beds for Alternate Level of Care
On December 9, 2020, Health Canada approved the first COVID-19 vaccine in Canada, manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, and on December 23, 2020 approved the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Moderna. Health Canada approved the vaccines after independent and thorough scientific reviews for safety, effectiveness and quality. Health Canada will continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.
To date, over 122,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered.
