RENFREW — Ontario is investing $175 million in repairs and upgrades to hospitals across the province this year through its Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF) and Renfrew Victoria Hospital is among 128 hospitals receiving funding.
“The health and safety of patients and families is a priority for our government,” said John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke in the recent funding announcement.
“That’s why we must make the necessary investments in our hospitals now, to ensure our providers have the facilities they need to continue to provide excellent quality care to patients,” he said, adding, “This funding will help ensure hospitals across Ontario are able to make the needed upgrades, improvements and maintenance so patients and families have access to reliable, quality care they expect and deserve.”
Through the HIRF program, funds are allocated to hospitals on a priority basis to supplement the hospitals’ capital renewal programs and ensure that facilities remain in a good state of repair.
“This funding allows us to replace, repair or update aging infrastructure. It is critical in terms of keeping our buildings up to date and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for patients and their families as well as staff, physicians and volunteers,” said Randy Penney, RVH President and CEO.
Hospitals that meet the program eligibility criteria can select projects to address based on their own priorities. HIRF funds must be used for costs incurred in the fiscal year in which they are provided.
Renfrew Victoria Hospital will receive just over $1.1 million for 2018-19, which will be used to purchase a new generator and vacuum pumps and replace aging, inefficient windows.
“On behalf of the RVH Board of Directors I can certainly say that we appreciate the investment into much-needed hospital renovations, so we can continue to provide the services, comfort and access to care that patients and their families rely on now and into the future,” added Keanan Stone, RVH Board Chair.
