One step closer

Prince Edward County’s new hospital moves to tender phase

The reality of a new hospital in Prince Edward County moved one step closer last week, when a request for proposals was sent to builders. Infrastructure Ontario formally announced that four companies have been invited to respond to a request for proposals to deliver the new hospital build. The four companies were prequalified based on criteria identified in a request for qualifications process that began in March 2023.

A 96,000 square-foot hospital is planned to open in 2027. The new hopsital will be a leading-edge health care facility designed to meet the current and future capacity needs of the local community. The project includes the construction of a new hospital with improved equipment and facilities including a 24/7 emergency department, diagnostic imaging, inpatient beds, and dialysis services.

The hospital will be built to include patient- centred design and technology, stateof- the-art infection control and ventilation, wider halls for modern medical equipment, and larger more flexible rooms.

Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith said residents are incredibly close to seeing shovels in the ground to build a state-of-the-art, full-service hospital in Prince Edward County. “I’ve been fully committed to this project throughout my 12 years at Queen’s Park, and I’m pleased to see that with Quinte Health’s leadership, our government’s unwavering support, and the enthusiastic participation of this community, this dream will be realized,” said Smith. “This beautiful new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital will provide high-quality care in the County for generations to come.”

Barbara McConnell, PECMH Foundation Board Chairperson, said the release of the request for proposals is a testament to the progress that is being achieved thanks to the hard work of so many people. “This new hospital will touch the lives of everyone living in or visiting the County, and we hope that everyone will feel they had a part in making this hospital a reality,” she said.

McConnell added that while planning partners are working hard to ensure the project remains on schedule, the PEC Memorial Hospital Foundation will continue to do its job of raising the required funds to ensure the community’s share of the cost is in place.

To date, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) has raised a total of $21 million towards the cause. Their goal is $27 million. The remainder of the costs will be covered by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

“This is such exciting news that we are one step closer to achieving the dream of a brand-new hospital for our community, after decades of hard work, planning and community support,” said Dr. Sarah Le Blanc, Board President of the Prince Edward Family Health Team. “Prince Edward County is growing, and the health care needs of our community are changing. To have a state-of-the-art facility means that we will have a new, fresh, and innovative space to address the needs and health care challenges of our vibrant community,” she added.

Mayor Steve Ferguson said he and Council are excited to see the project coming to fruition. “The new hospital is a long overdue, and the steady progress toward getting shovels in the ground next year is impressive. We commend the entire team of partners for their dedication to moving this project forward. We also want to thank MPP Todd Smith for his continued advocacy and the many individuals, families and businesses that have ‘backed the build’. We encourage everyone to keep up the great work on developing the hospital of the future for Prince Edward County,” he said.