Next phase of renovations at LHSC and St. Joseph's attracts industry interest

LONDON, ON, Aug. 19 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph's Health Care, London (St. Joseph's) announced today that four companies have been shortlisted to build and finance the final phase of renovations to LHSC's Victoria Hospital and University Hospital sites as well as St. Joseph's Hospital.

The project includes:

• University Hospital site at LHSC - approximately 50,000 square feet of space will be renovated to consolidate the Department of Medicine, Allied Health Services and the development of a Family Medicine/Palliative Care Inpatient Unit

• Victoria Hospital site at LHSC - approximately 100,000 square feet of space will be renovated in the Perioperative Suite to create additional operating rooms, conversion of Paediatric Inpatient Units to Adult Inpatient Units and the relocation of the Department of Medicine clinics and offices.

• The final phase at St. Joseph's involves the last of three significant renovations to 130,000 square feet of existing buildings and the creation of new space. The third floor will be completely renovated to serve the needs of outpatient clinics for cardiology, respirology, pain, pulmonary functions, allergy, and infectious diseases.

Based on a request for qualifications (RFQ) process that began in June 2010 and following evaluations, four top ranking companies were shortlisted and will be invited to respond to a request for proposals, expected to be issued in September 2010. The shortlisted companies are:

• EllisDon Corporation
• Bondfield Construction Company Limited
• Grant-Nac Ltd.
• SNC-Lavalin Construction (Ontario) Inc. and McKayCocker Construction Ltd.(Joint Venture)

Infrastructure Ontario worked closely with LHSC and St. Joseph's to select the qualified teams. Companies were selected based on their construction experience and the financial strength to deliver a project of this size and complexity.

During construction, this project will create jobs and will provide an economic boost to London and the surrounding communities. Once complete, the redeveloped facilities will further enhance the level of care that both LHSC and St. Joseph's provide to the patients they serve.

Infrastructure Ontario is working with LHSC and St. Joseph's to redevelop both hospitals, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable. Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information.

Quotes:

Hon. Chris Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney General and MPP for London West
"This is a great day for London. We are one step closer to choosing a team to build and finance the final stage of renovations at London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Care, London. During construction, these projects will provide an economic boost to London and the surrounding communities."

Khalil Ramal, MPP for London - Fanshawe
"Our government's continued investment in these hospitals allows Londoners to keep receiving the best quality of health care right here in our own community.""

Cliff Nordal, President and Chief Executive Officer of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Care, London
"Today's announcement brings us another step closer to breaking ground on the final phase of redevelopment on our facilities. Our staff, patients and community will enjoy the benefits of this project, both in terms of economic stimulus and enhanced patient care."

Disponible en français

For further information:

Betty Dann St. Joseph's 519-646-6000 x64792

Sarah Corrigan LHSC 519-685-8500 x77062

Mandy Downes Infrastructure Ontario 416-327-5246