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Headwaters Health Care Centre expansion project moves ahead

June 2, 2016   ·   0 Comments

Construction is now under way on the Headwaters Health Care Centre expansion and renovation project.

Members of the board of directors, staff, physicians, dignitaries, volunteers and members of the community gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony at Headwaters site on Rolling Hills Drive in Orangeville Thursday (May 26).

The expansion and renovation project is expected to meet the growing health care needs of the community and bring greater access to much needed medical services close to home.

The addition of the new space is the first major expansion of the hospital since it opened at its current location in 1997. The 8,700-square-foot expansion will house important services like chemotherapy and oncology, infusion clinics, minor procedures and telemedicine. Headwaters will also renovate 11,900 square feet of existing hospital space to add another operating room, improve reception and expand pre and post-surgical recovery areas.

“This is a very exciting and thrilling day for me and for our community and our patients,” said Liz Ruegg, president and CEO of Headwaters Health Care Centre as she welcomed everyone to the groundbreaking. “This will help us to deliver on our vision of creating an exceptional experience every time. With a growing community and increasing demand for more care closer to home, we are seeing more patients every year. There has never been a more critical time for the expansion of this hospital.”

John McDermid, vice chair of Central West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) told the crowd good things come to those who wait.

“It’s a great day today for Headwaters and the communities Headwaters serves,” said Mr. McDermid adding the government provided funding for the project and the community came together and wrapped itself around the facility. “The LHIN is happy to have supported this expansion from the beginning – we supported this from the start and convinced our colleagues this is the best thing to do. Projects like this just don’t happen without the care and support of the community. Together we’re making healthy change happen.”

Rob Hamilton, Chair of the Headwaters Health Care Board of Directors, thanked everyone who contributed to the project, including the Foundation, generous and supportive donors, the community, the Ontario government, the Central West LHIN and staff, physicians and volunteers.

“We’re finally here, finally putting a shovel in the ground after several years,” said Mr. Hamilton. “The expansion will literally transform this hospital and bring us closer to the health care services this community relies on. This project is going to have a tremendous, positive impact on everyone who comes through the doors of this hospital.”

Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones thanked the community for their support.

“There is a lot to make this puzzle complete and the community has to be engaged,” said Ms. Jones. “Thank you to those people who have made the fundraising that much easier.”

Christopher Stewart, chair of the Headwaters Health Care Foundation, said that for more than 100 years, the hospital has provided exceptional care for everyone in the catchment area.

“Thank you to the donors that have made this day possible and reminded me why I volunteer on the foundation board and ensure my parents, children and spouse are cared for using the most up to date equipment,” said Mr. Stewart.

Bob Burnside, chair of the $16 million Commitment to Care Campaign, said the project has been in the works for a decade, starting with a $14 million campaign in 2011.

“For those of us on the fundraising committee, that’s heavy lifting,” said Mr. Burnside, adding the number grew to $16 million and the province approved the project. “Even more grateful are we for the $16 million … that’s huge. We need this place, so we’re very grateful.”

He appreciates the hard work of all the hospital staff and board members.

“Thank you for giving me a chance to see the heart, strength and care of this community,” said Mr. Burnside. “We appreciate your leadership and encouragement. Everything you do makes this a better place.”

Dr. Somaiah Ahmed, Chief of Staff and VP, Medical Affairs, said the expansion will bring care closer to home for patients.

“It will provide more care for more patients right where they need it and the equipment we need to provide the best possible care for people in Dufferin-County,” said Dr. Ahmed. “The improvements and enhancements to this hospital will better equip and enable our physicians, nurses and clinical staff to continue to provide high quality and compassionate care, in collaboration with our partners, to optimize the health of our community.”

Following a highly competitive bid process, Headwaters selected Merit Contractors Niagara as the successful contractor for the expansion and redevelopment project. Merit has over 30 years of experience and expertise in managing a full range of commercial, industrial and institutional building projects, including the development of health care centres across Ontario.

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