The St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) is getting a new laboratory.
Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek announced on Monday the provincial government is kicking in $5 million to replace the hospital's existing 66-year-old lab.
“I am thrilled that the provincial government is supporting this much-needed project at our community hospital,” said Yurek. “Now more than ever, it is critical that the infrastructural needs of small and medium-sized hospitals like STEGH are met in order to ensure that patients receive the care they deserve.”
The current laboratory is in an area of the hospital built in 1954 where aging infrastructure and building systems offer limited quality of service and patient care. It would have been difficult and costly to upgrade, said Yurek.
The new lab will be relocated to the north tower of the hospital, which was built in 2018. It will take over roughly 6,500 sq ft. of previously shelled-in space situated on the basement level of the hospital’s new wing.
“We’re excited to have this project move forward which will relocate the laboratory service to the new North Building,” said Hospital President and CEO Robert Biron. “We thank the government of Ontario and the Ministry of Health for the financial investment for this essential project.”
Construction will begin next year.
