Cambridge Memorial gets nearly $1 million
CAMBRIDGE — Cambridge Memorial Hospital is getting nearly $1 million from the province for repairs and upgrades.
The money announced Tuesday is part of $175 million going to 131 hospitals this year to revitalize facilities.
“It means that hospitals can do some long-term planning,” Cambridge MPP Kathryn McGarry said at a small gathering at the hospital. “Today’s announcement is all about spending money where it’s needed.”
Funding for Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital will be announced at a later date by another MPP, a spokesperson for the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network said.
Cambridge Memorial will put the $978,068 it received toward a sprinkler system installation in an older part of the hospital, and refurbishing the boiler.
“It’s not always the most glamorous thing when you talk about building infrastructure, but it’s so critical,” said Patrick Gaskin, hospital president and chief executive officer.
Installing sprinklers in Wing A, built in the early 1950s, is a multi-year project. By the end of this fiscal year, almost half will be installed.
“It’s an important investment. We couldn’t do it without your support,” Gaskin said to McGarry.
That wing is a key piece in the $187-million expansion and renovation project now underway at Cambridge Memorial.
The newly constructed wing is expected to be ready in January. When it opens, patients and programs will move into the new space. Some also will move into the older portion in order to renovate the hospital’s other wing, which is expected to take two years.
Once all that work is done, the wing where the sprinklers are being installed will be space for expansion as the community grows.
“It is a long-term investment,” Gaskin said.