WELLINGTON COUNTY – North Wellington Health Care will receive over $1.3 million in funding through the province’s Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF).
North Wellington Health Care operates two hospitals: Louise Marshall Hospital in Mount Forest and the Palmerston and District Hospital.
The money will support critical upgrades, repairs, and facility maintenance, officials say.
“This funding is essential for our hospitals to continue to provide the best care possible in our communities,” stated Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae in a press release.
“The highest quality of care requires the highest quality equipment and facilities. This funding demonstrates our government’s commitment to our local hospitals.”
Through the HIRF Ontario is providing $200 million to hospitals across the province (Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Centre Wellington is not one of the recipients as it is a newer hospital).
The province is also providing over $8.4 million to community health service providers through the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund.
The Canadian Mental Health Association – Waterloo Wellington Branch will receive $28,454.
This funding allows health care system partners to address urgent infrastructure renewal needs such as upgrades or replacements of roofs, windows, security systems, fire alarms and back-up generators, officials say.
“Ensuring Ontario’s hospitals and community health facilities have the infrastructure in place to deliver the high-quality care patients expect and deserve is a priority for our government,” said deputy premier and health minister Sylvia Jones.
“This year’s increased funding will help these facilities address priority renewal needs while ensuring people can continue to receive the world-class care they need in a safe and comfortable environment.”
“Hospitals across Ontario rely on the Hospital Infrastructure Renewal Fund to assist with the cost of maintaining hospital buildings and infrastructure,” said president and CEO of the Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance Karl Ellis.
The HIRF was established in 1999 and provides annualized funding to assist hospitals in renewing their facilities.
Grants through the HIRF supplement hospital needs on a priority basis.
This allows hospitals to decide where to invest the money and lets them proceed quickly with projects, officials say.
