It's welcome news for most in Sarnia-Lambton's long-term care sector.
The province announced Friday morning that it's adding a number of new and upgraded long-term care beds to homes in Sarnia, Petrolia and Watford.
Minister of Long Term Care Paul Calandra said it includes beds at the new Sumac Lodge.
"I am very, very pleased to announce that we are adding 156 new and 100 upgraded long-term care beds right here in Sarnia. That's 256 new and upgraded beds for the residents to call home," said Calandra over Zoom. "These beds will be built in the new building near the Sumac Long Term Care home. Construction is expected to start in the winter of 2023."
In May 2021, Sarnia council accepted a $250,000 offer from Revera Inc. to purchase four acres at 1597 London Line.
Revera CEO Tom Wellner said they're very pleased that the redevelopment and expansion of the home is moving forward.
"These additional 156 beds, allocated by the ministry, is going to mean that we're expanding the capacity locally and access to care in the Sarnia area. We have a total of 256 residents that will be moving into this new home."
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley joined the call. He said it's good to build new buildings.
"This is going to be state-of-the-art, it's going to take us to a new era in long-term care homes, and that is good -- given the aging nature of so many of them that are getting upgrades in Lambton County. But the most important part is the human part, and that's the nurses and the care and the level of care that's provided."
Bed in a long term care home. © Can Stock Photo / stokkete
During the question and answer portion of the call, a nurse from Sumac Lodge questioned Calandra about staffing issues in the long-term care sector. Nurse Eric said while it's awesome that Sarnia is getting a new building that's been needed for years, a number of staff at the site have concerns.
"256 new beds and we're having issues staffing 100 beds at this point in time. You have PSWs that are getting a wage increase but no other staff. Here, all the staff bust their butts, not just PSWs. So, when is the government going to raise all the income, wages and everything?"
Calandra responded, saying the province is adding 27,000 additional PSWs over the next number of years so they can ensure residents get four hours of care per day. He said when it comes to staffing issues, the province is looking across the board at how they can ensure people are coming into the system.
Additionally, the province announced Trillium Villa Nursing Home in Sarnia will receive eight new and 152 upgraded beds, Lambton Meadowview Villa-Petrolia will receive 10 new beds, and Watford Quality Care Centre will receive 33 new and 63 upgraded beds.
Friday's announcement is part of the province's $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across Ontario by 2028.