April 19, 2007
Misericordia Health Centre To Undergo $17.5-Million Redevelopment
– – –Project to Create Consolidated Sleep Lab Program, Provincial Eye-care Centre Of Excellence, Dialysis Services Unit, Diagnostic Imaging Centre, New Programs For Seniors: Minister
More than $17.5 million will be invested in the redevelopment of Misericordia Health Centre, creating a provincial eye-care centre of excellence as well as expanding on existing programs and adding several new ones, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.
“Misericordia has been an important health-care centre for more than 100 years and this investment is very good news for the Misericordia, for the community it serves and for all Manitobans,” said Oswald. “The redevelopment is building on the centre’s current strengths while expanding its role in the delivery of quality health care.”
A total of $17.5 million will be invested in construction and renovations to develop space for an eye-care centre of excellence, a new diagnostic imaging centre, a chronic-care unit, a renal dialysis centre, a consolidated sleep-lab program and the introduction of PRIME (Program of Integrated Managed-care for the Elderly).
“Misericordia Health Centre has provided much-needed health-care services to thousands of Winnipeg residents over the past century,” said Milton Sussman, chief operating officer of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and vice-president of community health services. “This redevelopment recognizes and builds on its history.”
Planning for the project is underway, and work will continue over the next three to five years. The project will include renovations for the sleep lab, as programs currently located at Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface General Hospital are consolidated and expanded at Misericordia Health Centre
Rosie Jacuzzi, president and chief executive officer of the Misericordia Health Centre, said the redevelopment is a logical step in the evolution of its role as a provider of quality health care.
“Misericordia has long had a pivotal role in the provision of quality eye care and this redevelopment consolidates our place as the provincial eye-care centre of excellence,” said Jacuzzi. “As well, the new chronic-care beds and dialysis service complements the work we’re already doing in our urgent care.”
Plans also include the demolition of the 100-year-old Maryland South and Sherbrook buildings and the construction of a new, two-storey building on the site to house the new diagnostic imaging centre. A new dialysis centre will provide services for chronic-care patients, who now travel to other facilities for treatment. In addition, the PRIME program will offer day services such as family respite, social and leisure activities and medical and nursing care for frail seniors and those with some cognitive impairment living in the community.
The province is investing more than $12.5 million for the redevelopment, while the Misericordia Hospital Foundation has committed to raising $5 million for the project.
“We’re excited to be a partner in this new project that will add to the services provided at Misericordia Health Centre,” said Gary Brown, chair of the Misericordia Hospital Foundation. “We’re also looking forward to working with our community partners and our donors to make this project a reality.”
Construction is expected to begin in fall 2007.
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