Lindsay, December 7, 2001

"We are very excited by this announcement," says Brenda DeKoker, Chair, Ross Memorial Hospital Board of Governors. "A project of this magnitude has many stages of approval by the Ministry of Health and now that we have approval to tender the project, we are just one step away from starting construction." Once the tenders are opened and evaluated, the Ministry of Health must approve the award of the construction contract to the successful bidder.

The Hospital is very hopeful that the tender process and approval from the Ministry to award the construction contract will progress as planned. This should mean a construction start early in the new year. "There are many factors affecting the Ministry's approval to award the tender, including the tender amount (compared to budget)," explains Anthony Vines, President and CEO, Ross Memorial Hospital. "There will be a five to six week tender timeframe. Then, we will need the Ministry's approval to award the contract. We are optimistic that construction could begin in late February. We are very appreciative of the ongoing support and co-operation that we have received from the Ministry of Health and look forward to continuing this positive working relationship."

"We have pre-qualified general contractors for the project," says Brian Payne, Senior Vice President, Ross Memorial Hospital. "Any local contractors interested in bidding on specific areas of the project should contact the general contractors." A list of the pre-qualified general contractors is available through the Peterborough Construction Association.

The construction process has been developed into three phases. Phase I will include the construction of the new Emergency Department, the new Complex Continuing Care wing that will also accommodate Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, a new Mental Health facility, and an additional 30-bed inpatient unit.

Phase II will include the construction of the new outpatient centre, renovations to the existing Emergency Department, construction of the Mental Health floor and the new inpatient floor both directly above the existing Emergency Department, and the cafeteria expansion.

Phase III will include seismic upgrades to the existing building.

Upon completion, Ross Memorial Hospital's bed capacity will increase from 156 beds to 218. As well, the Hospital will increase in size from its current 186,000 square feet to 305,000 square feet. Additionally, there will be renovations to 20,000 square feet of the existing building.

"This expansion will enable us to serve the increasing health care needs of this region in a full service health care facility," says Brenda DeKoker. "Through previous projects and initiatives, we have already accommodated enhancements in a number of areas throughout the Hospital, including the provision of a CT scanner service. This further major expansion will have a very positive impact on our ability to serve the citizens of the City of Kawartha Lakes."