Sunnybrook Hospital is currently assembling a mobile health unit in one of its large parking lots as Toronto remains one of Ontario’s hardest hit regions during the pandemic.

The hospital began accommodating for the space in February, with help from the federal and provincial governments. Equipment has arrived for the set-up and the structures are being built and configured for 84 beds, with room for 100 if needed.

Each pod of eight to ten beds is self-contained and is equipped with the necessary medical support system as well as washroom facilities. A number of large generators provide power for the mobile health unit.  Expected completion is sometime next month.

Last month, Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said the province is doing as much as possible to support hospitals as they respond to COVID-19.

“As Ontario continues to add more hospital beds and build capacity in our health care system, these new mobile health units will further help us alleviate the strain on our hospitals and intensive care units.” she stated. “We will continue to work with the federal government and our health care partners to support our hospitals and care for patients affected by this deadly virus.”

Sunnybrook will be working with its partners in the healthcare system and the province to staff the facility. The facility will also receive support from the Wellspring house located adjacent to the parking lot. In the event of an increase in the demand for beds, the facility will most likely be used to provide space for patients who are awaiting placement in other facilities, and low acuity recovering patients, which will free up acute and critical care beds in the hospital.