TORONTO, March 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Bridgepoint president and CEO Marian Walsh was joined today by Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care, to receive the ceremonial key to the new Bridgepoint Hospital from the builders, Plenary Health.
The hospital is a LEED® certified, 680,000-square-foot facility designed to provide care for individuals with complex chronic health conditions and advance research and education.
Bridgepoint provides active healthcare - an integrated approach to managing, treating, researching and teaching best practices for those living with multiple, complex health conditions. The new hospital is improving patient care by providing more living space and doubling the existing therapy space, including larger, accessible therapy gyms on every patient floor. The new facility also includes increased ambulatory space for outpatient and community programming, a larger therapeutic pool, and green spaces, parks and public gardens that are integrated with Riverdale Park and the Lower Don Trail. The design encourages interaction and connectivity amongst patients, staff and family members.
The project also involved the restoration and renovation of the former Don Jail, which will function as the hospital's administration building. Construction of the new Bridgepoint Hospital began in fall 2009. The full patient migration to the new hospital will take place on April 14th, 2013.
Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care worked with Bridgepoint to redevelop the facility, which will remain publicly owned and publicly controlled.
Infrastructure Ontario is a crown agency of the Province of Ontario that delivers large, complex infrastructure renewal projects on time and on budget. Over the last six years, the province has applied Infrastructure Ontario's alternative financing and procurement model to 83 major projects valued at approximately $38 billion, saving taxpayers an estimated $3 billion.
Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca or www.bridgepointhealth.ca for more information.
Quotes:
Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
"This project demonstrates our government's commitment to provide Ontarians with access to the right care, at the right time, in the right place as part of our Action Plan for Health Care. Bridgepoint's new facility will provide improved access to health care services for Ontarians, enhancing the quality of life for patients with complex chronic conditions."
Marian Walsh, President and CEO, Bridgepoint
"Today, we celebrate the success of an incredible partnership between our design firms, our construction teams, project partners and the Government of Ontario. Together, we built a hospital that sets the new standard of treating patients with complex chronic health conditions, a hospital that will be the model of how future hospitals are built not only in Ontario but throughout the world."
Ted Freedman, Chair, Board of Directors, Bridgepoint
"Reaching today's milestone is the result of the tireless work of our dedicated staff, volunteers and the generous support of our donors and the Government of Ontario. Moving into our new hospital confirms our commitment to achieving our goal of transforming the world for those living with complex health conditions."
Mike Marasco, CEO, Plenary Health
"It is a tremendous source of pride to be a part of this project. We preserved a Toronto landmark, built a new facility and opened up new green spaces that will be enjoyed by the community for generations to come. With construction complete, we look forward to our long-term relationship with our colleagues and friends at Bridgepoint over the coming 30 years."
SOURCE: Infrastructure Ontario
Contacts:
Danielle Donadio
Bridgepoint
647-409-7058
Jennifer Asals
Infrastructure Ontario
416-326-9357
Olivia MacAngus
Plenary Group
416-902-9695
Zita Astravas
Minister Matthews' Office
416-327-9728
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