A $1- million donation request for Louise Marshall Hospital (LMH) in Mount Forest could bleed township coffers, some council members here feel.
Wellington North councillor Andy Lennox told members of the hospital’s fundraising committee on Monday evening the township has no money available for the donation.
The hospital is looking to raise $5 million for construction of new emergency room and ambulatory care facilities to accommodate visiting specialists. The campaign goal is a requirement of the provincial government which is contributing 90 per cent of the total renovation cost.
“Without question, Louise Marshall Hospital is an important part of our community but there are also two other primary care hospitals that serve our residents that are also embarking on major capital campaigns. Any donation we make on behalf or our residents and businesses also needs to respect the needs of those other projects and where our residents would want their tax dollars directed,” Lennox said.
“Any donation we consider must be financed. As we know well, we have no uncommitted dollars readily available. If we are to entertain the request for $1 million that equates to a 16.5% increase over and above what we already require. Whether this is spread out over a number of years or not, it is the same number of tax dollars being taken out of taxpayers’ pockets. Alternatively we have no major capital projects we can continue to defer to pay for this. As we all know, the Rick Hopkins Bridge (on Highway 6 at the south end of the community) needs greater than $1 million in repairs in the near term to keep it in serviceable condition. This is a project we are expecting our provincial partners to help us with because we can’t afford to make that repair. I would hate to see a patient not reach the renovated hospital in time because the bridge was not in acceptable shape.”
Hospital fundraising chair Bob McFarlane was joined in the presentation to council by former foundation chair Murray Calder, Dr. Chris Rowley and North Wellington Health Care CEO Jerome Quenneville who is also the CEO at Groves Memorial.
Fundraising campaigns are underway for LMH and Palmerston District Hospital which make up North Wellington Health Care, and Groves Memorial.
McFarlane told council renovation plans for LMH are at the “architectural drawing stage” which will go to the provincial Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for approval before the actual work begins.
“We’re well along in the approval process and I think we’re all interested to get to the next stage and see a shovel in the ground,” McFarlane said. “We need Wellington North on side with this and financial assistance. We’re asking Wellington North council to consider and give serious consideration for $1 million and look for a five year to 10 year consideration.”
Councillors agreed the request was steep and came at a time when the township is strapped for cash. There was also concern about committing taxpayers money to one hospital when township residents have the option of using the other two hospitals in the area.
Councillor Sherry Burke acknowledged the township is in a difficult financial position and is currently looking to reduce its preliminary 2014 budget and its proposed hike of 8.9%.
“I’m suggesting we not give a number this evening,” she said of a request to come up with a donation figure. “At our last budget meeting we gave direction to staff to bring it back at 3% and this ($1 milllion request) is going to have some serious implications.”
Councillor Mark Goetz also noted that with other hospitals nearby council can expect to get other funding requests.
“I know there’s talk we’re going to be approached by other hospitals,” he said.
Goetz suggested the township consider the request and present it at a public meeting on the final budget.
Councillor Dan Yake, who represents the township on the hospital board and is part of doctor recruitment and the fundraising campaign, suggested council, “take a long, serious look at the importance of this project.
“Whatever the amount, this is the one and only hospital in this community,” Yake pointed out.
Dr. Rowley said improved emergency facilities and ambulatory care would provide a safer working environment for patients, staff and doctors.
“We don’t have the appropriate room to keep people safe,” he said of the current emergency room.
Rowley said having specialists visit the hospital saves patients having to make the long trip to hospitals in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton or the GTA for treatment they can receive close to home.
“For patient flow, patient safety it’s going to make a big difference,” the doctor said of the renovation plan.
Rowley said renewed facilities will also help with doctor recruitment.
“It will help attract new physicians,” Rowley said. “It’s a new hospital with new ideas.”
Mayor Ray Tout said the renovation is needed to the 50-year-old hospital “100%.
“The tough decision is going to be what can we afford?” he said. “I would like to see us help out with what we can afford.”
“The main reason we are here is the Louise Marshall Hospital is the only hospital in Wellington North,” McFarlane added. “We’re hoping Wellington North will take a leadership role.”
McFarlane said he is hoping a commitment can be made to show the ministry the community is committed to the hospital.
“Without the ability to raise these dollars there is the component that this community cannot afford it,” he said.
“A $1 million ask is a healthy commitment,” Tout said.
Concern was also raised an anticipated provincial election could see the provincial commitment to the project disappear if a new government is elected.
Tout said he expects a decision by council could take up to two months.
