November 2, 2009

Decision on Hospital Redevelopment Project Delayed

The Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) has received news that the approval needed to move forward on its redevelopment project has been delayed.

“We were hoping to hear that our Business Case had been approved and we could move to the next stage of the redevelopment process”, stated Gordon MacNabb, Hospital Board member and Chair of the Redevelopment Steering Committee. “That being said, we were recently informed that because the Champlain LHIN (Local Health Integrated Network) is undergoing a Hospital Clinical Services Review in the region, the decision on our project has been postponed.”

The Hospital Clinical Services Review aims to improve the coordination, quality and safety of care for residents requiring hospital services in the region. The review will focus on four clinical areas: emergency, surgery, medicine and psychiatry / mental health / addictions. The project has started in the Eastern Counties within the LHIN and will begin soon in the Western Region and Ottawa Valley.

“We recognize that the Carleton Place Hospital’s current building is inadequate to meet the future needs of its community,” stated Dr. Robert Cushman, CEO of the Champlain LHIN.

“The LHIN continues to support our need for a new facility but, depending on the outcome of the Hospital Services Review, we may need to make changes to our business case. If so, we will make the necessary modifications to ensure our services fit within the needs of the region and resubmit to both the LHIN Board and Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC),” added Malcolm Robinson, CEO of CPDMH.

In April 2008, CPDMH submitted a comprehensive business case for a new hospital to the MOHLTC. The Ministry commented favourably on the thoroughness and completeness of the proposal and accepted the business case as submitted. However, before the project can proceed further, approval of the business case is needed from the Provincial Cabinet. Once approved, the project can advance to the next major planning stage by developing a Functional Program. This is the first of two Cabinet approvals needed before construction can begin.

“We are still very optimistic that the project will go ahead and that our community will have a new hospital,” continued Mr. Robinson. “We just have to be patient for a little while longer.”

When approved, the new hospital will be located at the intersection of Maple Lane and Lake Ave East. The project is estimated to cost $86 million, with the MOHLTC investing $69 million in the new facility and the community being required to raise the remaining $17 million.

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Contact: Chantelle Troy, Manager/Community Relations Officer 613-257-2200 e-mail: ctroy@carletonplacehosp.com

July 2009 - We're Still Waiting

February 26, 2009 - LHIN endorses plan to build a new hospital in Carleton Place

January 15, 2009 - Update on Carleton Place Hospital's Redevelopment Project

June 15, 2008 - Carleton Place Hospital Optimistic About Redevelopment Project

March 26, 2008 - Carleton Place Hospital Seeking the Community’s Input for Redevelopment Project

January 15, 2008 - Carleton Place Hospital Assessing Possible Sites for New Facility

June 6, 2007 - Hospital Board makes Redevelopment Project its Highest Priority