Request for qualifications issued for Markham Stouffville Hospital's
expansion and redevelopment project

MARKHAM, ON, Oct. 15 /CNW/ - Markham Stouffville Hospital and Infrastructure Ontario released a request for qualifications (RFQ) today to build and finance the hospital's expansion and redevelopment project.

Markham Stouffville Hospital's expansion and redevelopment project includes a new addition to the south and west of the existing building that will double the size of the facility as well as renovations to the existing facility.

Once complete, the hospital will have physical capacity for increased emergency and ambulatory clinic visits and an increased number of inpatient beds.

The RFQ is the first step in the process to select a team to build and finance the project. RFQ submissions will be reviewed to pre-qualify project teams with the construction experience, the qualified personnel and the financial strength to deliver a project of this size and complexity. Pre-qualified teams will then be invited to respond to a request for proposals (RFP), expected to be released in early 2010, to build and finance the project.

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care are working with Markham Stouffville Hospital to build the new facilities, 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 or www.msh.on.ca for more information.

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Quotes:

Deb Matthews , Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

"I'm thrilled to see us bring Markham one step closer to greater access to health care. This is a great day for everyone in the community."

Michael Chan , MPP for Markham-Unionville

"This expansion is desperately needed as a result of the tremendous growth in our community. Markham Stouffville Hospital has been working extremely hard to keep pace and I am pleased to see the project take another step forward."

Dr. Helena Jaczek , MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham

"Taking this important step shows our government's commitment to provide resources and facilities to serve the health care needs of people across Ontario."

Janet Beed , President and CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital

"Today is a significant step towards an expanded, more modern Markham Stouffville Hospital that will make a tremendous difference in the lives of our patients and the quality of care we can provide. We are grateful for the support from all of our partners and look forward to seeing our collective vision for improved health care take shape."

For further information: Lisa Joyce, Markham Stouffville Hospital, [phone]; Jessica Hooker, Infrastructure Ontario, [phone]