Guelph hospital receives provincial funds for surgical program, facility upgrades
GUELPH – Guelph General Hospital was awarded $81,394 as part of the Surgical Pathway Training Fund and $394,350 from the Surgical and Diagnostic Imaging Efficiency and Innovation Initiative.
Earlier this year, another $3.4 million was also received through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF). This funding will support training costs for the surgical services team at Guelph General Hospital. The majority of the training will be completed by April.
Officials say the surgical team will apply skills to creative solutions to reduce surgical backlogs and expand access to care, with support from the Surgical and Diagnostic Imaging Efficiency and Innovation Initiative.
“We have an incredibly dedicated and highly skilled team of professionals providing surgical care at our hospital; from the moment a patient receives a diagnosis to when they are in the recovery process,” said Melissa Skinner, vice president of patient services and chief nursing executive.
“Funding to support the professional development of our team ensures we can continue to provide quality care, close to home.”
The $394,350 in funding will be used to improve the process and flow of the short stay and day surgery units and to support foreign exam management. With these funds, the operating room will be able to complete additional volumes.
HIRF funding will be put toward replacement of the hospital’s roof and exterior cladding.
“Our building is certainly showing its age, and while we continue to plan for a new hospital, there are immediate needs that require attention in the space we are in now,” said Gavin Webb, vice president of finance and chief information officer.
“We are appreciative of the province’s investment in these important upgrades, so that we can maintain a physical environment that is safe for our staff and patients.”
In late 2024, restructuring and expansion work is expected in the emergency department (pending ministry approval) and will include emergency mental health and addictions services.
