A fundraising campaign to bring the redevelopment of the hospital in Wallaceburg to life is officially underway.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) and its foundation (CKHAF) launched the campaign on Thursday to the delight of a big crowd attending the announcement.
The goal is to raise $9 million to modernize the hospital in order to meet the growing needs of the community closer to home for years to come.
The hospital transformation was estimated at $41 million in 2022, but the estimate could change after a provincial recalculation and review.
The site will have the following services:
- 24 hour Emergency Department
- 6 inpatient beds adjacent to the Emergency Department, with one designated for Palliative care
- Ambulatory Care, including specialty clinics
- Diagnostic Imaging, including x-ray and ultrasound
- Respiratory therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Laboratory services (Point of Care testing)
President and CEO of CKHA Adam Topp unveiled new architectural renderings, floor plans, and design updates for the 20,000 square foot addition that will be built where the Emergency Department parking lot is currently located.
“These plans and renderings are the result of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a real commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of the Wallaceburg community,” Topp noted. “Seeing these designs come to life is exciting because they reflect not only the future of healthcare delivery, but also the care, accessibility, and comfort that our patients and families deserve. This redevelopment is so important to this community because it will ensure that this site can provide exceptional care for decades to come.”
Local MPP Steve Pinsonneault gave his predecessor Monte McNaughton credit for battling to save the hospital and promised the crowd that he's committed to seeing the project through to the end.
"Monte pulled me aside and said look...Wallaceburg hospital has been one of the most important things I've done in my time down here at Queen's Park and I want you to carry on with that. I'm looking forward to carrying on Monte's legacy and see this project through to the end," said Pinsonneault.
The $9 million campaign is to raise the required funds to cover the community's share of the project's cost, including a portion of the construction cost and necessary equipment for the renovated space.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has already agreed to support the hospital redevelopment with a $4.5 million contribution.
The 60-year-old Wallaceburg hospital had to be saved from closing over 15 years ago.
Click here to make a donation.
Donations can also be made by calling 519-436-2538, or in person at the foundation offices in Wallaceburg and Chatham.