The Government of Ontario announced an initial contribution of $5 million towards a major redevelopment project at Unity Health Toronto — St. Joseph's Health Centre. The money will be used for early project planning.

"As part of our plan to end hallway health care, our government is building much-needed capacity by investing in major hospital infrastructure projects like the redevelopment of St. Joseph's Health Centre," said Health Minister Christine Elliott. "This project will reduce wait times and help more patients and families in southwest Toronto and beyond access the coordinated care they need in a modern, state-of-the art facility."

Although the budget is not yet set, the scope of work for the project includes a new patient tower and renovations to the existing facility to expand services and reduce wait times. The new infrastructure will also allow access to new and emerging technologies that will support better patient outcomes. The proposed project also includes:

• infrastructure upgrades to existing hospital facilities;
• a new and expanded emergency department;
• expanded medical and surgical inpatient programs;
• adult, child and adolescent mental health programs; and
• outpatient procedures unit and clinics.

"Ontario is building a connected and sustainable public health care system centred around the needs of patients," said Elliott. "This investment is another example of how we are increasing access to reliable, quality care, while building the capacity we need to help end hallway health care."

The Ministry of Health’s announcement falls under the umbrella of the $27 billion over 10 years that the province has promised to build new and expanded hospital infrastructure, and support the delivery of new community-based programs and services. The province will work with Unity Health Toronto to develop a budget for the redevelopment of the St. Joseph’s Health Centre.