The MPP for Chatham-Kent Essex has announced funding to help repair local hospitals' infrastructure.
While the funding was well received and needed to repair urgent infrastructure projects, it's no secret this was not the funding announcement hospital officials were hoping to receive.
MPP Rick Nicholls said the hospital needs complete phase one, which includes finalizing the hospital location before moving forward and receiving funding for Phase 2.
"We're waiting to hear final results, and once we know that then we know where we can insert that shovel to get things moving," said Nicholls.
In December, a tribunal decided to dismiss the Citizens for an Accountable Mega-hospital Planning Process' appeal of the zoning decision by Windsor City Council to allow the hospital to be built on County Road 42 and Concession 9. CAMPP has announced it will be requesting leave for an appeal of this decision from the courts.
In the meantime, infrastructure at three local hospitals is in need of repair. Windsor Regional Hospital received $1,542,162 for upgrades to the Ouellette Campus -- the nearly 70-year-old building.
"Hopefully one day we won't have to accept this money," said WRH CEO David Musyj. "Hopefully, we'll be moving ahead with the new project for the Windsor-Essex community."
Hotel-Dieu Grace Health Care received $931,468 for upgrading its cooling system, replacing windows, and upgrading the nurse call system.
Erie Shores Healthcare received $666,152 for replacing its sterilization system and other building repairs.
"It is so vitally important that we have the facilities that are in good repair so that front line providers can provide that exceptional care," said Janice Dawson, CEO at Erie Shores Healthcare.
The funding comes from the Ministry of Health's Facility Condition Assessment Program.
