Province announces $1.3M for Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital
The Ontario government has announced $1.3 million in funding to support infrastructure upgrades, repairs and maintenance at Petrolia's Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital of Bluewater Health.
The funding, which was announced on December 21, is part of the government’s $182.6 million investment provided through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund and the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund.
“This funding will ensure that patients at Bluewater Health’s Petrolia site can continue to access the care they need in safe, comfortable environments and that the local health care system is prepared to respond to any scenario as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve,” said Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey. “The Ontario government is committed to ensuring that Bluewater Health remains a world-class health care facility delivering top-rated care to its patients.”
The province is providing $175 million to hospitals through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund and $7.6 million to community health service providers through the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund. Funding from the province allows health care provider to address urgent infrastructure renewal needs such as upgrades or replacements of roofs, windows, security systems, fire alarms and back-up generators.
A total of $50 million from the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund will be used by hospitals for urgent projects, including those that support the health system response to COVID-19, such as upgrading HVAC systems to enhance patient and staff safety, and improving infection prevention and control measures.
“Upgrading and maintaining hospitals and community health infrastructure is one more way our government is ensuring Ontarians receive the exceptional care when they need it and closer to home,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott. “These crucial investments will help build the capacity needed to end hallway health care, while ensuring our hospitals have the tools they need to improve the quality of care for patients and continue responding to COVID-19.”
In March 2021, the government committed up to $696.6 million in funding to help cover historic working funds deficits and strengthen the financial stability of hospitals across the province.