Planning for the new South Niagara Hospital took an important step forward as Infrastructure Ontario has listed the project (Niagara Falls Hospital) in their Market Update for Projects in Pre-Procurement.
The South Niagara Hospital is listed in the Market Update to start issuing RFQs (Request for Qualifications) in spring 2021 and issuing RFPs (Request for Proposals) in winter 2021 with a financial close in 2022.
With a Stage 2 revised submission soon to be provided to the provincial Ministry of Health, the project will move through important milestones. The submission outlines the program and service requirements, equipment and space needs and has been developed with extensive input from Niagara Health’s staff, physicians and community partners.
"This new hospital represents a significant and important investment in healthcare in Niagara," says Angela Zangari, Interim President, Niagara Health. “With the government’s support, we are one step closer to a new hospital and we look forward to our continued work with the Ministry of Health to plan the next stage."
Niagara Health provides 90 per cent of the acute hospital services in the region and as the community ages, increased services associated with older adults will be required. To support these needs, a significant emphasis on senior’s health and wellness will be included in the Stage 2 submission.
"We are very excited to have our project confirmed by Infrastructure Ontario knowing how important it is to meet the healthcare needs of the people of Niagara,” continues Zangari. “The new hospital will be an integral part of a connected healthcare system that will improve the patient and caregiver experience and strengthen access to local services."
Over the last several months, Niagara Health has engaged over 1,000 staff, physicians, patients and members of the community for input on the design vision for the new South Niagara Hospital, to be located at the corners of Montrose and Lyons Creek roads in Niagara Falls.
"Healthcare professionals want to work in expert teams in state-of-the-art buildings with advanced equipment and technology," says Dr. Tom Stewart, CEO of Niagara Health and St. Joseph’s Health System. "We saw what a magnet for top talent the St. Catharines Site has been and I am confident the new South Niagara Hospital will be another valuable tool for attracting and retaining leading health care professionals."
The next step after the approval of Stage 2 Functional Program in the Ministry of Health’s capital planning process involves the development of written specifications and an illustrative design of the building. Engagement with the community will continue throughout the planning process in order to gather critical input on the new hospital’s look, feel and function. This feedback will ensure the hospital is designed and built to fully support patient, family and staff wellness in all aspects of the care process.
For more information on Infrastructure Ontario’s Market Update click here.
For more information on the South Niagara Project click here.
