I (Natasha) was very excited to join the staff of East General and the local elected officials to hear this long-awaited announcement from the Minister of Health this afternoon. DECA has been working with CEO, Rob Devitt, and his staff for several months about how this will affect our community and no doubt, those conversations have just begun. See the hospital’s news release, below.
MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT TO PROCEED
Toronto East General Hospital redevelopment plans approved by Province
Toronto – The Government of Ontario has just announced its support of
Toronto East General Hospital’s redevelopment project. The Minister of
Health and Long Term Care announced today that the project is
part of the Provincial Hospital Capital Plan and is scheduled to begin
construction in 2015/16. This announcement will bring to reality a new
state-of-the-art healthcare facility for the people of east Toronto.
The redeveloped hospital will be the largest building project in the
hospital’s history. It will replace some of the oldest and most
dysfunctional spaces; areas that were originally designed to provide
care in the 1920-40’s era. The project will see approximately 380,000
of square feet of space constructed including a new eight-storey
building on the corner of Sammon and Coxwell Avenues which will house
inpatient services and outpatient clinics. A new main entrance will be
created with a larger patient drop off area and two levels of
underground parking. The project will also be developed with
sustainability in mind incorporating increases in green roofs, green
spaces and more efficient utilities.
“This is a very exciting day for the staff, physicians and volunteers of
TEGH, their hard work and dedication towards this project has paid off.
To the patients we serve, this announcement means that you will receive
care in a state-of-the-art facility that’s more accessible, meets
today’s infection control standards, and provides better space for
patient programs” said Rob Devitt, President & CEO. “It will ensure
that TEGH continues for the next generation its proud tradition as an
award winning hospital for patient care and for the teaching of future
health professionals.”
The new building will have approximately 250 inpatient beds, including
medicine, surgery and mental health beds. The first two floors will be
dedicated to out-patients, including the dialysis and oncology clinics.
A two-level underground parking garage will also be excavated, creating
easier access to the building and improve traffic flow in the
neighbourhood.