MPP announces infrastructure funding for KHSC

Kingston Health Sciences Center’s (KHSC) older facilities will be soon undergoing some important upgrades following a funding announcement by Kingston and the Islands MPP Sophie Kiwala.

Last week, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Dr. Eric Hoskins announced that 131 Ontario hospitals would be receiving $175 million for repairs this year as part of the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF).

On July 17, Kiwala shared that more than $9 million of that funding will be coming to Kingston, with KHSC receiving $7,053,450 and Providence Care receiving $2,927,346 to support much needed infrastructure upgrades.

“This is very exciting news as the HIRF program is a very important program for our organization,” said President and CEO Dr. David Pichora during the announcement. “KHSC operates some of the oldest hospital facilities in Canada. While this history makes our organization special, it also means that we must continually work to ensure our facilities can continue to support the high quality care that our community relies on. This program allows us to focus on key upgrades and renovations that will support the work of our expert health-care teams.”

The funding will be used to replace HVAC units, heat exchangers and isolation fans in the older areas of the Kingston General Hospital site along with other important work.  

“We will also replace heating and hot water systems in the Douglas, Empire and Dietary wings that will allow us to continue to use those spaces until they are torn down in 2022 to make way for construction as part of our proposed Phase 2 Redevelopment project,” said Dr. Pichora.  

At the Hotel Dieu Hospital site the funding will be used to replace the fire alarm system and complete the reconstruction of the Johnson Street ramp.

“Improving access to health care and the patient experience is important to our local hospitals, the Ontario Government and to the public,” said Kiwala. “‎I am so pleased with this investment for hospitals in Kingston and I know that it will ensure they continue to meet the needs of their patients and their families.”

“We would like to thank the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as well as MPP Kiwala for their continued support of KHSC,” said Dr. Pichora. “MPP Kiwala has been an excellent partner and advocate ensuring our community has a strong voice at Queen’s Park. Today’s announcement is a perfect example of that partnership.”