Facility Will Improve Access to Care in Rural Areas and Help End Hallway Health Care

February 26, 2021

The Ontario government is investing up to $53 million to support the development and construction of the new Grey Bruce Health Services Markdale Hospital, as part of the province’s plan to end hallway health care. This funding is in addition to the $3 million previously invested to support the planning and design of the new hospital, bringing the province’s total investment to up to $56 million. Once complete, this new state-of-the-art hospital will replace the existing aged facility, expand capacity and improve access to high-quality care for patients and families in Grey County and neighbouring areas.

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Bill Walker, MPP for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound.

“It is so important to ensure all Ontarians have the best quality health care as close to home as possible,” said Premier Doug Ford. “That’s why our government is making monumental investments like this in Markdale. By building new modern hospitals, we will ensure people get a high level of care whether they are in big cities or our small and rural communities.”

Construction of the new hospital will begin next week.

Once complete, the new Markdale Hospital will provide more services in a modern and spacious environment for patients and families in Markdale and neighbouring regions, including:

• A modern, 24/7 emergency department with four exam and treatment areas that will provide improved space for staff and patients;
• Four short stay beds better adapted to new non-surgical procedures and one palliative care bed, that will replace traditional inpatient beds;
• A bigger space to double outpatient care and expanded procedural services including minor procedures;
• Access to clinical laboratory and diagnostic imaging services, ambulatory clinics, space for visiting specialists and inter-professional teams, and expanded telemedicine services; and
• An ambulance bay for two ambulances.

“Investing in rural hospitals like the new Markdale Hospital is a critical part of our government’s plan to build a modern and connected public health care system and end hallway health care across the province,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment will help ensure the people of Markdale and neighbouring areas have access to the modern facilities and high-quality services when they need it.”

Rural hospitals play a critical role in ensuring equitable access to high-quality care for patients and families across Ontario. This new hospital in Markdale is part of Ontario’s investment of $20 billion over 10 years to build new and expanded health care infrastructure.

“As an advocate for the new Markdale Hospital since the day I was elected, I’m proud to announce that the project is fully approved and shovels will be in the ground shortly,” said Bill Walker, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “I congratulate the local community who rallied around this project and raised millions in support. We have been looking forward to this day for many years and I’m thankful to Premier Ford and Minister Elliott for making this new hospital a reality.”

“This is the news we have been waiting for, and we are extremely pleased to begin construction of a brand new, state-of-the art hospital in Markdale,” said Gary Sims, President & CEO of Grey Bruce Health Services. “This announcement solidifies the future of excellent health care in the Centre Grey area.”

Quick Facts

• The new Markdale Hospital will provide health care closer to home for patients and families in the municipalities of Grey Highlands, Southgate, Chatsworth, West Grey and Melancthon.
• The construction of the new hospital is expected to begin in March 2021 and the hospital should be able to open its doors in the year 2023.

Quotes

“I’m so excited and proud to see this project moving forward. I want to congratulate all those who worked so hard over the past few years to secure this approval. Not only will this project stimulate our economy during the construction phase, but it will help to attract residents and businesses to the area once the hospital is completed. I couldn’t be happier.”

– Paul McQueen

Mayor, Grey Highlands

“This is very exciting news for Markdale and the surrounding area. We would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated to this project, and who has stood by us in anticipation of seeing a shovel in the ground. We look forward to celebrating with the community as soon as it is safe to do so.”

– Betty Bassett

Chair, Centre Grey Health Services Foundation