The Ontario government has announced it will provide up to $500,000 to support Geraldton District Hospital’s early planning work to redevelop and renovate its first floor.

The investment will support planning to redevelop and renovate approximately 9,300 square feet of existing hospital space, allowing the hospital to expand its programs.

“Our government is making historic investments to protect Ontario’s health-care system and connect more people in Greenstone and communities across Northwestern Ontario to the care they need, where and when they need it,” said Health Minister Sylvia Jones. “By investing in the redevelopment of Geraldton District Hospital, we are making it faster and easier for more people and their families to access world-class hospital care in their community, for generations to come.”

As part of the early planning process, the hospital is considering the following upgrades:

• improved access to outpatient services for patients and families with a new dedicated entrance for outpatient services,
• a new CT diagnostic program, improving timely access in the region for patients who currently travel to Thunder Bay to access CT services,
• a new telemedicine suite to remotely support patients not requiring care at the hospital, and
• improved infection prevention and control measures, through the separation of acute and ambulatory programs.

Geraldton District Hospital is located in the gateway to the Ring of Fire. The hospital’s redevelopment is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to unlock the economic potential of the region while ensuring First Nation and Northern communities reap the benefits of critical mineral development through community and economic partnerships that offer economic opportunities for generations.

As a next step, the Ministry of Health will work with Geraldton District Hospital to complete planning for the project, including determining programming, operational and space requirements. Once detailed planning is complete and the project is tendered and awarded, a construction schedule will be confirmed.

The hospital serves approximately 5,700 residents living in five communities and four First Nations.

Over the next 10 years, Ontario is investing nearly $60 billion on major health infrastructure. This is part of the government’s plan to get shovels in the ground on more than 50 major hospital projects across the province, which will deliver approximately 3,000 new hospital beds and build a connected, people-first health-care system.