antiquity
01-31-2003, 12:41 PM
Facility's construction hits paydirt Province's leading health centre in rehab research breaks ground on new building
LISA RAINFORD More from this authorJan. 31, 2003
Deterred by frigid January temperatures, Toronto Rehab executives hosted a "construction kick-off" indoors with special guest, Associate Health and Long-term Care Minister Dan Newman instead of an outdoor groundbreaking ceremony last week.
In reality, construction crews have already braved the cold to break the soil using machinery much larger than a shovel, said Ron Meredith-Jones, chair of Toronto Rehabilitation Institute's Board of Directors.
Toronto Rehab is the province's leading academic health science centre in rehabilitation research, education and patient care. It helps more than 15,000 people each year who have suffered a heart attack, stroke, spinal cord injury or disease to rebuild their lives physically and emotionally.
Its new long-term care facility is slated for completion in February 2004. The 128-bed addition is only a fraction of the more than 5,000 beds that are set to be built in the city. The Ontario government's $1.2 billion investment in long-term care will also include the restoring of approximately 2,000 existing beds in Toronto.
"The Ernie Eves government wants to ensure that long-term care needs of seniors in our community are met," said Newman. "Today's event is part of our government's historic investment in excellent long-term care not just in Toronto, but across Ontario."
Toronto Rehab's 128 new beds are eligible for funding of up to $75,000 per bed over two decades, which is a total commitment of $9.6 million. This funding can begin once the beds are in operation.
"Nine point six million dollars represents the largest ever expansion in our health care history," Newman said.
Ward 14 (Parkdale-High Park) Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, who has been a part of the development process since it began in 1998, said Toronto Rehab's new long-term care facility has been the best project he has worked on for his entire career.
"Your work with the community has been outstanding," he told executives. "You worked really hard to make sure people were happy with the project."
The councillor also credited the provincial government for its financial contribution, which will allow the facility to be built.
The new facility boasts four resident home areas - one on each of the four floors. Each is designed for 32 residents and represents a neighbourhood, said Shelly Jamieson, president of Extendicare Canada Inc.
Each floor will be comprised of bedrooms, a dining room, and living/activity rooms. They will feature a country kitchen for afternoon tea or late breakfast and celebration dining rooms for special occasions.
"It's important to us that this development fits into the fabric of this community," said Mark Rochon, president and chief executive officer.
http://www.insidetoronto.ca/to/annex/story/861684p-1024372c.html
LISA RAINFORD More from this authorJan. 31, 2003
Deterred by frigid January temperatures, Toronto Rehab executives hosted a "construction kick-off" indoors with special guest, Associate Health and Long-term Care Minister Dan Newman instead of an outdoor groundbreaking ceremony last week.
In reality, construction crews have already braved the cold to break the soil using machinery much larger than a shovel, said Ron Meredith-Jones, chair of Toronto Rehabilitation Institute's Board of Directors.
Toronto Rehab is the province's leading academic health science centre in rehabilitation research, education and patient care. It helps more than 15,000 people each year who have suffered a heart attack, stroke, spinal cord injury or disease to rebuild their lives physically and emotionally.
Its new long-term care facility is slated for completion in February 2004. The 128-bed addition is only a fraction of the more than 5,000 beds that are set to be built in the city. The Ontario government's $1.2 billion investment in long-term care will also include the restoring of approximately 2,000 existing beds in Toronto.
"The Ernie Eves government wants to ensure that long-term care needs of seniors in our community are met," said Newman. "Today's event is part of our government's historic investment in excellent long-term care not just in Toronto, but across Ontario."
Toronto Rehab's 128 new beds are eligible for funding of up to $75,000 per bed over two decades, which is a total commitment of $9.6 million. This funding can begin once the beds are in operation.
"Nine point six million dollars represents the largest ever expansion in our health care history," Newman said.
Ward 14 (Parkdale-High Park) Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, who has been a part of the development process since it began in 1998, said Toronto Rehab's new long-term care facility has been the best project he has worked on for his entire career.
"Your work with the community has been outstanding," he told executives. "You worked really hard to make sure people were happy with the project."
The councillor also credited the provincial government for its financial contribution, which will allow the facility to be built.
The new facility boasts four resident home areas - one on each of the four floors. Each is designed for 32 residents and represents a neighbourhood, said Shelly Jamieson, president of Extendicare Canada Inc.
Each floor will be comprised of bedrooms, a dining room, and living/activity rooms. They will feature a country kitchen for afternoon tea or late breakfast and celebration dining rooms for special occasions.
"It's important to us that this development fits into the fabric of this community," said Mark Rochon, president and chief executive officer.
http://www.insidetoronto.ca/to/annex/story/861684p-1024372c.html