PERTH-WELLINGTON – The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has announced over $2.3 million in funding for hospitals in the riding through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF).
The announced funding includes nearly $1.16 million for North Wellington Health Care (NWHC), which operates hospitals in Palmerston and Mount Forest, as well as a total of just over $1.2 million for hospitals in Listowel, St. Mary’s and Stratford.
“This is great news for our rural communities and the future of health care in Perth-Wellington,” said local MPP Randy Pettapiece in a Jan. 23 press release.
“We are investing in essential health care projects to ensure people have access to services they can depend on now and in the future.”
Pettapiece added the funding will help local hospitals complete renovations and upgrades, “while maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff alike.”
Minister of Health and Long Term Care Christine Elliott said, “The health and safety of patients and families is a priority for our government.
“That’s why we must make the necessary investments in our hospitals now, to ensure our providers have the facilities they need to continue to provide excellent quality care to patients.”
The HIRF funding is available annually and allows hospitals to address urgent issues, including upgrades or replacements of roofs, windows, heating and air conditioning systems, fire alarms and back-up generators.
“We certainly are appreciative of the funding as we are now able to repair sections of our hospital roofs, upgrade life safety systems, and replace end of life equipment in our plant – such as boilers and hot water tanks,” said Alison Armstrong, NWHC communications and stakeholder relations specialist.
The local HIRF allocation was part of $175 million for repairs and upgrades to 128 hospitals across the province through the program.
