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News Releases - 2008
June 26, 2008
Redefining the Boundaries of Care
$3 Million Planning and Development Grant
for West Park Approved by Province
Toronto (June 26, 2008) –A major redevelopment of West Park Healthcare Centre which will redefine the boundaries of rehabilitative care received a $3 million boost today with the awarding of a planning and development grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
The grant, the first major step in the approval process from the Ministry, was announced at West Park’s Annual General Meeting during a special ceremony involving local dignitaries, patients and staff.
“The Ontario government’s investment in West Park signals a commitment to the importance of rehabilitation, complex continuing care and long term care services for the people of York South-Weston. I want to commend West Park’s staff – its nurses, doctors and healthcare workers – its Board and senior management for their leadership and foresight to move this project from a vision to the first big step in the redevelopment process.” said Laura Albanese, MPP York South-Weston.
The grant announced today allows West Park to begin compiling a business case to support the development. The business case will include details on estimated costs, site and building plans, fundraising strategy and other operational issues.
“The planned redevelopment will ensure West Park remains at the forefront of delivering the highest quality specialized rehabilitation, complex continuing and long-term care to our patients and residents and our community,” said Anne-Marie Malek, President and CEO of West Park. “We are pleased to have gotten this far, but we must remember redevelopment planning is a lengthy process which could take several years to complete before construction even begins.”
The redevelopment of West Park will be divided into stages, including redevelopment of the healthcare centre to begin once the plan receives final approval by the government and is included in the provincial 10-year capital plan.
Since the cost of a new hospital project is covered by both the Ministry and “local share” contributions from the hospital, West Park’s Foundation is planning to undertake a capital fundraising campaign.
“We are committed to keeping our communities involved and informed and we will expand our communications with the community and stakeholder consultation through all stages of planning in the coming months,” said Malek.
West Park Healthcare Centre provides specialized rehabilitation, complex continuing care and long term care services, helping people overcome their health barriers to live the fullest lives possible after the onset of an illness or injury. The Centre is also recognized internationally for its expertise and research in respiratory medicine, particularly for its care for people with tuberculosis, and its rehabilitation services for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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