Toronto East General Hospital's Future is Bright!

TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH) Foundation is thrilled to announce a generous $5-million gift from Peter and Diana Thomson who will be honouring Peter's parents to create the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre.

The Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre will be the focal point of a $211-million Redevelopment of the TEGH site. This expansion will be one of the largest investments in infrastructure that east Toronto has seen in decades.

"We are profoundly grateful for this magnificent gift. Up to now, East General has been one of Toronto's best-kept secrets," said Michael Burns, Chair of the TEGH Foundation Board of Directors.  "Diana and Peter's inspirational support will raise awareness of our hospital and send a powerful message to Toronto's philanthropic and corporate communities about the importance of involvement in community hospitals, where 90% of health care issues are met."

"Toronto East General Hospital is our local hospital, the place where our daughter was born, and a vital part of East Toronto's diverse communities," said Peter Thomson. "Diana and I are proud of the Hospital's history and accomplishments. We are delighted to support its mission to care for and improve the lives of the families it serves."

The Ken and Marilyn Patient Care Centre will accommodate the most advanced medical technology, the highest standards of infection control and superior privacy and comfort for patients and their families. It will also accommodate 280 new medical and surgical beds, and consolidate our dozens of outpatient programs into a single, convenient venue.

"This is the largest single gift to our Care Campaign," added Rob Devitt, CEO of TEGH.  "It will enable a transformation in care for our patients and leave a lasting legacy for the health of our community. We are privileged, and proud, to dedicate our new Patient Care Centre in the Thomson name."

The Toronto East General Hospital Foundation is undertaking a $60 million private sector campaign to support the hospital's historic $211-million capital Redevelopment Project. To date, the Care Campaign has raised more than $45 million under the leadership of campaign chair, Michael Burns; and vice-chairs Michael MacMillan, co-founder and chairman of Samara; and Bill MacKinnon, former CEO of KPMG LLP.

Justin Van Dette
Manger, Corporate and Community Relations
Toronto East General Hospital Foundation
416.659.3870
[email protected]