A 150-bed field hospital set up at Lambton College for a potential overflow of COVID-19 patients, was dismantled this week.
The college, Bluewater Health, and the city, supported by dozens of community partners, assembled the hospital in less than a week.
Bluewater Health President and CEO Mike Lapaine said luckily it was never needed.
“The rallying of our community and our partners to support the continuance of safe healthcare was nothing short of amazing," Lapaine said in a news release. "We are so lucky to live in Sarnia-Lambton where both the college, and the city, were quick to come to assist us with setting up a field hospital. This is a unique community and we are very thankful.”
The non-clinical equipment for the field hospital is city property and is being stored for any future pandemic use.
City Emergency Manager Ron Realesmith said Sarnia has incredible community partners, and they now know a field hospital can be quickly established when needed.
“Through their generosity of time, talent and financial contributions, our community was presented with a need and we collaboratively provided a solution in less than a week. The City of Sarnia was honoured to play our part for the community and we now have a mobile field hospital for years to come," he said.
A total of $85,000 was raised to get the hospital ready for use two months ago.
Realesmith said Lambton College is designated in Sarnia's emergency response plan as the prime evacuation centre.
-With files from Josh Boyce