New FAQs
Move into the New Building
Will bed-bound patients be moved in their existing bed?
Patients will be moved on a bed, a stretcher or in a wheelchair, depending on what is the most appropriate for them. We have hired services from Healthcare Relocations, an organization specialized in hospital moves. We are working out the details for a seamless transition.
Will patients’ belongings be shifted before the move-in day?
There will be opportunities to move patient items a day or two before the actual move-in date.
What is the Purge and Preserve Project?
West Park has launched the Purge and Preserve project. Over the years, West Park staff and patients have accumulated a large amount of items that simply cannot be brought over into the new hospital because of infection prevention and control, staff and patient safety, and environmental reasons.
We are encouraging staff and patients to “purge” what they do not need and “preserve” essential items. For example, patients will only be allowed to bring clothing that fit into their new wardrobe. Also personal furniture such as drawers, bureaus, etc. will not be allowed.
Are there any plans to recruit volunteers to help patients sort their belongings as a part of the Purge and Preserve project?
Patients or staff can make a request to their unit managers for a volunteer to help sort a patient’s belongings. Likewise, unit managers can also inquire from patients and staff whether help is needed from volunteers.
Will the patients be allowed to bring their fans into the new building?
Fans will not be permitted. There are several reasons including health and safety, infection, prevention and control (IPAC), and how the fan will affect the room’s pressure and temperature sensors. Specialized circumstances will be considered.The new hospital’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system has the latest technology, is highly reliable and will give patients some control over the temperature of their room.
During the move-in week, will the parking be free for families and friends of patients coming over to help with the process of shifting?
We are still working out the details of the move.
Inpatient Living
Will bed-bound patients be provided with an air mattress, like the one that is currently used?
Patients should expect a similar set up, as they currently have, in the new building.
Will the food be cooked in the kitchen of the new building or will the same process of heating up pre-prepared food be followed to feed the patients?
Currently, Food Services offers a combination of in-house cooked meals and high-quality ready-to-eat meals. The process will continue in the new hospital.
We currently use the cook/ chill/ retherm (reheating) model of meal production, which is in line with the majority of Toronto hospitals. Since West Park is a rehab facility, there is an option to cook some meals on-site. This means we cook the meals, safely chill them and run them through a retherm cycle prior to meal service.
In the new facility, we will have new, upgraded retherm equipment and introduce a new assembly model. This will have a positive impact on patient meals and the patient experience.
What are the accessibility plans for patients to use elevators?
The new building will have one elevator programmed to stop at each floor to enable patients to use them independently. The hours of operation are still to be determined.
Technology
Will there be television monitors in the inpatient rooms?
There will be two monitors in the inpatient rooms. One is on the wall facing the patient bed and the other monitor will be next to the patient bed called the integrated bedside terminal (IBT).
How will the transition be for patients who hook their desktop computers with gaming consoles or TV monitors?
We will consult with occupational therapists in the Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) clinic about equipment transfers and set-up.
Programs and Services
Will there be a dedicated space for a gift shop in the new building?
There is a retail space available for pharmacy, but it is not defined yet if it will also house a gift corner. There is some space on the main floor for vendors, who might come in the future.
Past FAQs
Background
What is this Campus Development project all about?
West Park’s Campus Development is an exciting project consisting of two major capital initiatives - a new Hospital Development and a new Non-Hospital Development. These vibrant, timely, and state-of-the art developments will result in an integrated campus of care that models the way of the future for patient care delivery, education and research.
Why is this project so important?
Demand for West Park’s services is expected to grow by 50% over the next two decades. In addition to an aging population and people living longer with chronic disease and conditions, the need for respiratory, amputation and spasticity rehabilitation will increase exponentially in the next 5-10 years, outstripping West Park’s ability to keep up with patient demand.
What are the benefits of this project?
The project will set a new standard for future patient care, education and research. The result will be greater access to new and expanded healthcare services, local economy investments, and better access to green space. It will elevate the patient experience, and, ultimately, help patients reclaim their lives and realize their potential.
Improvements & Upgrades
What changes can we look forward to?
Benefits will include an improved patient, family and staff experience; integrated clinical care, research and education; optimized operational efficiency, productivity and sustainability; and expanded services and improved accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities. New programs, services and features that will be offered as part of the transformation include:
Hospital Development
• A new, six-storey, approx. 730,000 square foot hospital
• Significant increase in outpatient care space, therapy gyms and clinics
• More patient beds - 314 beds, up from 260 (an increase of 20%)
• More single-patient rooms - 80 per cent of rooms will be private
• Private 3-piece washroom for each patient
• New geriatric day hospital and clinics, satellite hemodialysis, and expanded outpatient services
• Increased green space with outdoor therapy gardens, walking paths and courtyards, terraces on every floor, plus easy outdoor access from anywhere in the building
• New campus entrance with public and private roads within the campus
Non-Hospital Development
• Expanded and complementary healthcare services with housing and related services for seniors and persons with disabilities
• A vital, active and healthy community with close access to medical services, nature, recreation and social engagement
• A focus on independent living and wellbeing, aging-at-home, improved community health and enriching the surrounding residential community
• May include supportive housing, hospice, community-based services and doctors' offices
• Revenue from the Non-Hospital Development will contribute to covering the portion of the cost of the new Hospital not funded by government
How accessible will the new site be?
Accessibility will be improved and will include:
• Carefully designed and graded sidewalks and pathways to ensure barrier-free access regardless of ability, mobility or condition
• Therapy rooms on every floor
• Accommodation of large wheelchairs, with larger rooms and wider doorways
• More power-door operators, with hands-free operation
• Simple wayfinding with accessible signage and digital options
• Incorporation of recommendations for the physical design of a senior-friendly hospital
• Rest areas every 30M in corridors and external paths
• Underground and surface parking
Green Space, Sustainability & the Environment
Will the amount of green space be affected?
Yes, in a positive manner. While a portion of green space will be redistributed post-construction, West Park will maintain or increase the amount of green space on the 27-acre campus.
How will the new green space and landscaping change?
Nature and greenery will play an even more significant role in patient healing and recovery. Elements will include:
• An assortment of smaller green spaces, gardens, varying terrains and landscapes to accommodate different needs and uses
• Outdoor therapy courtyards for patient rehabilitation
• A central plaza, envisioned as a public and communal space
• A network of paths and trails to promote physical wellness
How will the new outdoor space affect accessibility?
Green space will be redistributed, with improved accessibility to new pathways and gardens throughout the campus. Sidewalks and pathways will also be carefully graded to ensure they are barrier free regardless of ability, mobility or condition.
Will the ravine and sloped areas of the site be affected by development?
No. The ravine and sloped areas of the site are contained within the Protected Ravine and Natural Feature Limit, and will remain predominantly undisturbed, with the exception of the demolition of existing buildings that will be replaced with landscaped areas.
What sustainability features will the new development have?
Some of the development’s sustainable features being considered include:
• 30% energy cost savings below ASHRAE90* or 40% below MNECB*
• Water use reduction, including sub-metering and rainwater reclamation
• LED lighting
• Window glazing strategies to reduce heat gain
• Operable windows in patient rooms
• Charging stations for electric vehicles
• Connections to the natural world
• Access to daylight and views
• Low-emitting materials and US Green Building Council-approved environmental products
• Support for recycling programs
*American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers;
Model National Energy Code for Buildings.
Parking
Will there be more parking?
Yes. The increase in parking capacity has been calculated based on the type and scope of expansion of services and approved by the City.
What type of parking will be built?
The majority of parking will be in an underground parking garage on two levels below the new hospital, in combination with surface parking. Surface parking will be located close to multiple entrances. This parking option supports West Park’s commitment to provide a safe and accessible environment responsive to the mobility challenges of West Park’s patient population.
How will parking be managed during construction?
West Park may be required to provide off-site parking on a temporary basis for a portion of its parking needs, and is looking into providing alternative parking options for staff during construction.
Traffic & Transportation
How will traffic patterns be affected after completion of the campus development?
A traffic analysis for the City showed that, due to the development’s addition of a new, second campus entrance, traffic will be better distributed and all existing and proposed new streets will carry an appropriate traffic volume. The development will significantly improve the hospital’s access to Emmett Avenue, which will shift much hospital traffic from Buttonwood Avenue.
How will public transit to and from West Park be affected?
West Park is currently in discussions with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) regarding the possibility of expanding service routes to West Park. It is expected that the Hospital and Non-Hospital developments could boost ridership enough to justify bus service onto the expanded campus. Improved road access into the campus with a new public entrance could also make it easier to provide bus service. West Park will keep the TTC updated throughout the project and advocate for increased transit service closer to project completion.
Will the community still have access to the new campus once construction is complete?
Yes. The community will be encouraged to use and enjoy the campus grounds, facilities and services, as appropriate.
What do I do if I have a question or concern?
Please contact campusdevelopment@westpark.org , or call 416-243-3600 extension 2111.
How do I keep informed about this project?
You can sign-up to receive Campus Development newsletters, notices for public meetings, construction schedules and more at insert hyperlinked icon. Or, follow Campus Development on Twitter at @NewHospitalWP
How can I contribute to this project?
Community members can support the project by donating online to the West Park Foundation’s Get Your Life Back fundraising campaign. The Foundation can also be reached at foundation@westpark.org, or 416-243-3698.