An agreement is in place between Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) and Lakehead University to explore the construction of a new hospital on the university's campus.
The announcement about the next step in replacing the aging hospital was made at a news conference Friday attended by Premier Doug Ford, Health Ministry Sylvia Jones, Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop and other officials.
"We are thrilled that Lakehead University could be the future home to Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital," said Carmine Stumpo, President and CEO of OSMH.
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At the news conference, Ford said the province was providing $3 million to determine the size, scope and exact location of the future hospital.
"This new hospital will help support more patients--over 400,000 in the surrounding area--replace aging infrastructure, and meet modern healthcare standards."
The premier made it clear he wanted the project to get started as quickly as possible.
"Let's start moving, get dirt flying, and start building this new hospital. Strengthening our world-class healthcare system is a vital part of our plan to protect Ontario."
The journey to a preferred site for a new hospital began in 2019 with the completion of a community-wide survey to determine the most important factors to consider when assessing where to build. Emergency services, vehicular access, and parking were the top three criteria identified by the more than 1,100 respondents.
Hospital officials have said a new site would have to be 20 acres in size, and the current OSMH property is nine acres.
OSMH was built in 1922 on the property where it sits today, with additions added throughout the decades.
According to the province, the new hospital would include:
- Modern and improved infrastructure to support increased patient volumes, capacity and programs
- Expanded access to core programs and services including critical care services and inpatient beds
- Increased capacity to meet the community's future needs and allow more people to connect to care sooner
- Enhanced infection prevention and control measures to ensure the health and safety of all patients
