Facilities

New hospital planned for Kingston

KINGSTON, Ont. – Infrastructure Ontario and Kingston General Hospital (KGH) have signed a $142-million contract with PCL Constructors Canada Inc. to build and finance the hospital’s massive redevelopment project.

The building team, led by PCL Constructors Canada Inc., includes financing arranged by the Toronto-Dominion Bank. The deal commits the PCL Constructors Canada Inc. team to build and finance the redevelopment project. The hospital will pay PCL Constructors Canada Inc. $142 million when the project reaches substantial completion in spring 2012.

The KGH project includes 170,000 sq. ft. of new construction and renovations to the existing 143,000 sq. ft. facility.

“This marks an important milestone for Kingston General Hospital,” said George Smitherman, deputy premier and minister of energy and infrastructure. “This redevelopment will enhance the quality of life and quality of care for families in the Kingston area that rely on the specialized cancer care and kidney dialysis services provided by KGH.”

Highlights of the redevelopment project include an expanded cancer centre with two new radiation bunkers and more than double the space for chemotherapy treatment, plus: an expanded kidney dialysis unit; more beds for intensive care (from 21 to 33); a specialized clinic area for paediatric patients; and improved central processing services.

The provincial government will fund 90 percent of the project’s eligible construction costs, 100 percent of eligible planning costs, and some specialized radiation therapy equipment.

Costs associated with other medical equipment and furniture are funded wholly by the hospital through funds raised by the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation.

At the peak of construction, there will be more than 75 workers on site daily. “By increasing services, patients will have better access to the care they need close to home in comfortable surroundings,” said MPP for Kingston and the Islands, John Gerretsen.

“This redevelopment project will allow the hospital to better cope with the challenges of our aging population in southeastern Ontario.”

It’s a huge project, admits Ted Darby, vice- president of planning for Kingston’s university hospitals.

“In effect, we are adding space equivalent to the new downtown K-Rock Centre and we’re renovating two-and-half Memorial Centres. We are doing this while our dedicated staff continues to provide care to patients from across southeastern Ontario.”

“We appreciate the support of the provincial government in helping to make this much-needed major expansion and renovations happen -— it is a significant step in the renewal of our health sciences centre.”

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care are working with KGH to redevelop and expand the hospital, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable.