News release - Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH)
Preliminary construction projects at SMH have begun as the hospital prepares its property for the future hospital expansion build. Early works projects will continue into 2024 with construction of the new hospital expansion build slated to start in 2025.
The demolition and removal of the Mary McGill Community Mental Health building is the first significant property update taking place this week. The building was constructed in 1938 as a nursing residence, and over the years has housed many departments including Finance and Administration. It was also used for on-call sleep rooms for various clinical departments.
In 1980, the Mary McGill Community Mental Health Program was created, occupying the main floor of the building. The Mental Health program moved into the main hospital building in July, 2023.
“Our community will now be able to visually see the progress that we’re making towards our redevelopment,” says Jody Levac, President and CEO, SMH. “Reaching the stage of early works construction really hits home that this hospital expansion is finally coming and that our staff, physicians and community will have the new hospital building that they need and deserve.”
Patients and visitors will notice increased activity by construction contractors as well as equipment on the property as preparations get underway. Access to the hospital is not impacted, with a small section of parking spots unavailable close to the Mary McGill building to accommodate contractors and their equipment.
“The site preparation work we are starting today brings us closer to the day when we will break ground on our new hospital, adds Levac. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to build this new hospital to meet the needs of our patients and our community.”
The hospital’s goal and vision is clear. The newly redeveloped hospital is being designed to ensure that quality healthcare services will be available for the residents of New Tecumseth for many years to come. The hospital is on track to complete negotiations with Hospital Infrastructure Partners and government and are excited to see the work unfolding.
“In order to get us to the finish line, we need to continue to raise funds towards the local share cost of the redevelopment” adds Levac. “We can’t complete the redevelopment and hospital expansion without the support of the community and without raising the funds required.”
The Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF) launched the Because of you, we can Campaign in 2019 in support of the redevelopment project, as well as funds needed to support critical equipment and technology upgrades. On November 1, the SMHF launched a 50/50 draw with proceeds supporting the hospital redevelopment. To purchase tickets, please visit www.stevenson5050.ca.
To support the redevelopment project by making a donation or for more information about the
Campaign, please visit www.transformingstevenson.ca.
Banner image via Stevenson Memorial Hospital - Wayne Willcott, Senior Director, Corporate Infrastructure and Redevelopment, SMH and Redevelopment and Jody Levac, President and CEO, SMH stand by the excavator as demolition of the Mary McGill Community Mental Health building begins this week. The mental health program moved into the hospital in July, 2023.
