Several local health care systems are getting a boost from the province for needed upgrades.
Windsor Regional Hospital and Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) will receive a total of $2.2 million this year for repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. An additional $2.4 million is being allocated to Erie Shores Healthcare in Leamington and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA).
Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton and Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls made the announcement Monday.
"This repair work is critical for ensuring patients are comfortable and safe. As we continue to fight COVID-19, this is welcome news," said Nicholls in a media release.
Windsor Regional will use its share to upgrade generators, as well as repair the roof and elevators. Hotel-Dieu will use its funding for elevator repairs, upgrading building automation systems, window replacement, and work to fire suppression systems.
Erie Shores Healthcare will replace a portion of the roof at the Leamington hospital, and install a new heat exchange system. CKHA will use its share for improvements in air quality and fire suppression, and a new urology service for the Chatham and Wallaceburg campuses.
The four hospitals are among 129 across Ontario receiving a total of $175 million through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund.
McNaughton said the funding is a crucial support for the healthcare workers who remain on the front line of the fight against COVID-19.
"Our frontline healthcare workers have been superheroes during this pandemic," said McNaughton. "I am proud that our government is continuing to invest in critical infrastructure to support the men and women who save lives every day. We are all grateful for their service."