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Cash for equipment promised to hospital
Sunday, October 22nd, 2006
- The Brampton Guardian
Brampton Civic Hospital received a huge cash injection Friday courtesy of the provincial government.
Ontario health minister George Smitherman visited the site of the new facility where he, and other Liberal Party notables, including Brampton MPP Linda Jeffrey, announced an $18.9 million grant for equipment and furnishings.
The cash comes two days after Ontario Conservative Party leader John Tory used Peel Memorial as a backdrop to slam the Grits, and accuse the government of leaving residents in the dark with regards to funding for both hospitals.
"We know residents in the Brampton area are eagerly awaiting the opening of their new hospital," Smitherman, clad in steel-toe boots and a white hard hat, told an audience of about 30 people. "This funding will allow the hospital to be equipped with the latest in medical technology, helping to provide local residents with the best possible hospital care."
Friday's funding announcement will help the hospital purchase equipment for medical imaging, namely X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT and MRI scans.
The cash will also be used to acquire equipment for use in emergency rooms such as lamps and articulating arms-- items that are in addition to things like sterilizers and washers needed for infection control.
Smitherman took a brief tour of the facility, currently under construction at the corner of Bovaird Drive and Bramalea Road, before addressing the crowd.
"As I see the progress being made in finishing this hospital, my enthusiasm is really quite palpable. The level of excitement I feel today is extraordinary," said Smitherman who resided in Brampton as a youth. "We are very proud of the fact this hospital is quite a dramatic expansion of capacity in a community that, let's face it, very much needs the capacity."
Local MPPs Vic Dhillon, Dr. Kuldip Kular and Jeffrey joined the minister in making the announcement. Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell was also on hand for the event.
The funding "is appreciated," Fennell said. "We are at a critical phase of this hospital and every cent that you are allocating here today is bringing big smiles to (our faces). This hospital is 20 years overdue."
"We appreciate the government's continued support of our new hospital project," added Gordon Laschinger, William Osler Health Centre board chair. "This facility will have a great impact on the quality of care and access to care for the people of Brampton and surrounding areas."
Upon completion, the state-of-the-art facility will house 608 beds and accommodate 90,000 visits annually to its emergency department.
The province is responsible for funding 70 per cent of both the cost to build the hospital and to furnish it with equipment, with the remaining 30 per cent coming from the community.
On Wednesday, the leader of the Official Opposition visited Peel Memorial and Brampton Civic hospitals and spoke to health care officials and front line staff.
" The real key is what happens with Peel Memorial? Is it going to be closed?" Tory asked. "Because if it is going to be closed it means the new hospital is automatically going to be under stress from the day it is open. Also, will there be proper funding for the new hospital, for new equipment, for staff?"
Smitherman responded Friday, stating that the government remains committed to providing cash for the new hospital, and for the maintenance of Peel Memorial.
Brampton Civic Hospital is slated to be open and ready for patients in the fall of 2007.
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