Windsor Regional Hospital has completed its submission for how one of its campuses will be transformed once the new acute-care hospital opens.
The hospital announced Monday afternoon that it had sent to the Ontario Ministry of Health a Stage 1.3 Plan (formerly Stage Two) to redevelop the Ouellette campus, ensuring that vital healthcare continues in Windsor's core.
Highlights of the plan include keeping a 24/7 urgent care at Ouellette, along with labs, diagnostic imaging, medical daycare, pharmacy services, administrative services, and outpatient options.
"Residents in downtown Windsor will have access to urgent care services close to home, at a hospital-run urgent care centre where they will be treated by the same emergency-trained staff and physicians who work at the emergency department in the new acute care hospital," said WRH President and CEO David Musyj. "In addition, patients will have access to medical tests, treatments, lab work, and a variety of out-patient services at the Ouellette location."
The submission for the Ouellette campus is in connection with the continued planning for the County Road 42 site for the new hospital. The plans sent to the Ministry include cost estimates, a functional program, and a set of block diagrams.
Vice-President of Redevelopment Brandon Bailey said keeping the current facility was the top priority.
"While much of the current infrastructure is between 70 and 90 years old, there was investment in the Diagnostic and Treatment in 2001," said Bailey. "This submission represents a team effort to look at ways to make use of the existing infrastructure, as directed, wherever possible, while still ensuring a quality facility that meets modern hospital building standards and supports a safe patient experience."
Early plans for the new regional hospital have already been submitted to the Ministry, and the timeline remains in place to begin the tendering process in 2025, with actual construction set to start in 2026.
Complete information on the hospital planning process can be found on its official website.