A provincial funding boost of $175 million will address critical upgrades, repairs and maintenance in 129 hospitals across Ontario this year, including $50 million for COVID-19 related and other urgent projects.

Through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, this funding will help hospitals maintain their infrastructure and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients to receive care. As part of this funding, Trillium Health Partners will receive more than $3.4 million to support projects across all three sites. Projects include replacing HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality, installing newer and more reliable nurse call systems for patients, and repairing roofs and elevators to maintain the facilities.

“Our ongoing investments to support essential projects like repairing roofs and windows and adding more isolation spaces can make a big difference to a patient’s experience,” said Christine Elliott, deputy premier and Minister of Health. “It’s part of our plan to build the capacity we need to end hallway health care in Ontario.”

Other urgent issues on the table include upgrades to security systems, backup generators and fire alarms. Projects will also support hospitals responding to COVID-19, such as updating HVAC systems to enhance patient and staff safety, creating additional isolation spaces and negative air pressure flow rooms to increase capacity, and enhancing infection prevention and control measures.

“This funding is an important part of creating a better environment for our patients to recover in and will allow us to make critical infrastructure repairs and upgrades across our three hospital sites,” added Michelle DiEmanuele, president and CEO, Trillium Health Partners.