March 21, 2006
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| Leona cuts the ribbon to launch QHC's redevelopment project. With Leona are Health Minister George Smitherman, Ernie Parsons MPP, Infrastructure Minister David Caplan and Lou Rinaldi MPP. |
BELLEVILLE – Residents of the Quinte region took another step toward improved healthcare today with the release of a request for qualifications (RFQ) to shortlist teams to build and finance the redevelopment of Quinte Health Care Corporation's Belleville hospital.
"This marks another milestone for the Quinte region. I'm pleased to announce that Quinte Health Care Corporation has reached another stage in its redevelopment plans," said Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal David Caplan. "This project is one of many in the McGuinty government's five-year $30-billion infrastructure renewal plan to modernize infrastructure and ensure value for taxpayer dollars as we build strong, prosperous communities."
"Ontario's healthcare system supports our quality of life and helps to strengthen our communities. That is why projects like this are a priority for the McGuinty government," said Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington MPP Leona Dombrowsky.
"The Belleville Site redevelopment is a great example of a community working together to make a real difference. Everyone who's played their part should share in the credit as the project moves forward to another important stage," said Quinte Health Care board chair Lloyd Churchill.
The redevelopment project will involve construction of a new wing to accommodate an expansion including intensive care, supportive services and a children's treatment centre; redeveloping the emergency department and hospital laboratory; redeveloping surgical suites and renovating the medical and mental health unit. Overall the hospital's capacity will increase by 77 beds.
The Quinte Health Care RFQ was issued as part of a combined qualification process including five other infrastructure projects across the province. Once qualified project teams have been short-listed, it is anticipated they will be invited to respond to a request for proposals (RFP) in summer 2006 with construction scheduled to begin before the end of 2006.
