January 30, 2006

HAMILTON - The McGuinty government is improving care for Hamilton residents by working with St. Peter's Hospital on a creative solution to build a new floor on the East Wing at the Maplewood site, Marie Bountrogianni, MPP for Hamilton Mountain announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

"The plan for a new floor on the East Wing to replace the aging South Wing, will allow St. Peter's Hospital to continue offering residents of the Hamilton area the very best care in a modern, more up-to-date environment," said Bountrogianni.

The government is allowing St. Peter's Hospital to proceed with this project to accommodate up to 50 Complex Continuing Care beds. The construction of the new floor will be completely funded through the hospital's own fundraising activities.

Last month, the government provided St. Peter's with a Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund grant of more than $1.3 million for mechanical, electrical, boiler and other upgrades at the hospital. These upgrades will also support the new floor on the East Wing.

"Today is a celebration of new construction. Yet, while bricks and mortar will improve the appearance and functionality of our program, there is more to this project. It is about patients - their dignity, their independence and their quality of life," said Donna Cripps, St. Peter's President and CEO. ""It is about families- their trust, their hopes and their challenges. It is about our physicians and staff - their compassion, their professionalism, and their hearts."

""We are pleased that the provincial government has recognized the needs of individuals with Alzheimer Disease and associated dementias through its approval of the project and the announcement of $1.3 M. Together we will continue to enhance their lives and ensure that they continue to be a priority in the delivery of health care services.""

""Our government is strengthening all areas of our hospitals so that they can better serve patients," Smitherman said. "We're continually striving to improve infrastructure planning to determine the most economical and efficient way to improve hospital facilities.""

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan to build a health care system that delivers on three priorities-keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

For further information :

Members of the general public : (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154

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