Cambridge Memorial Hospital getting almost $1M to renew facilities

Cambridge Memorial Hospital is getting $978,068 of $175 million committed by the province through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund — one of 131 hospitals receiving funds for upgrades and repairs this year.

The hospital will be installing firefighting sprinklers in its oldest wing and also servicing the boiler system.

Patrick Gaskin, chief executive officer of the hospital, said the upgrades are critical for patient safety, as renovations force them to move patients from their current location into the older wing of the hosptial. 

"We're going to have more patients in this wing, and we're pleased that we'll be able to have the sprinkler system installed prior to that," he told CBC News.

Kathryn McGarry, MPP for the city of Cambridge, said facility upgrades will improve the hospital experience for patients.

"I know that when a new roof is added, or a fixed roof stops a leak, that that makes an immeasurable on the patient experience," she told CBC News.

MPP of Kitchener-Centre Daiene Vernile's office said Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital in Kitchener are also getting funding, but declined to give the exact amounts.

In addition to the infrastructure renewal fund, the 2017 provincial budget also dedicates $9 billion to support hospital construction in the province. McGarry also said all Ontario hospitals also received a two per cent increase in their operating budget this year.

"We're continuing to look at ways to support the health care in the province of Ontario, I'm proud of the investments we're making this year," McGarry said.