Ontario's Ministry of Health recently granted approval for the Kincardine Hospital's redevelopment project to enter into the detailed planning phase, which is the final step before construction begins.
Now, attention turns back to securing the final $6 million needed to reach the community goal of $18 million to start construction. Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation President Becky Fair says the project will see extensive upgrades made to the hospital.
"It's great news for the community. It's going to expand the footprint of the emergency room, the X-ray department, the lab, all of those places that haven't had an upgrade in decades are going to see a revitalization," Fair explained.
The Building Health Care for Generations campaign was launched in January of 2022, and Fair points out that to have raised over $12 million already is amazing, considering the cost for the project went up.
"The target has grown since 2022, and that of course is with the addition of the MRI machine that we want to have with the redevelopment. We feel it's a perfect fir for the community, it's a growing community, so it's just a natural fit to have that machine in our hospital," added Fair.
Fair also emphasizes that getting a new MRI suite will make a huge difference to the community. She says it will give people who no longer will have to travel for MRIs a huge sense of relief, while also bringing other benefits.
"It will give people a sense of comfort knowing they don't have to travel fair to get an MRI, and it's gonna help with attracting medical professionals to the area. Plus, we all know what it's like to travel in Bruce County in the winter, so that'll be a big help," Fair chuckled.
In addition to the new MRI suite, the project will see a tripling in size of the emergency, diagnostic imaging and lab departments. Fair adds they hope to secure the final $6 million in 2026 so construction can begin soon after.
To learn more about the project or to donate, visit kincardinefoundation.ca.
