READY, SET – BUILD!

Construction on Royal Victoria Hospital’s Phase 1 Expansion Project is about to begin.

The ambitious redevelopment – the largest in Simcoe Muskoka history -- has reached its final, major milestone before construction can begin. Royal Victoria Hospital and Infrastructure Ontario have achieved Financial Close with the chosen contractor Vanbots, a Division of Carillion Construction Inc.

Financial Close signifies that all necessary steps, including a fixed price of $258.5million and a set completion date have been determined. Work crews will begin to mobilize on RVH property almost immediately. Construction of the new addition and cancer centre is expected to be completed in fall 2011 and the significant renovations to the existing hospital by spring 2013.

“Royal Victoria Hospital is going to be a very busy place over the next three to five years, and this is truly cause for this region to celebrate,” remarks Janice Skot, RVH President and CEO. “This project will double the size of the existing hospital and allow RVH staff, physicians and volunteers to provide exceptional care to patients from throughout Simcoe Muskoka. In these extremely tenuous economic times, the project will be a tremendous boost to the region’s economy in direct jobs and spinoffs, but even most importantly, will bring quality, accessible care closer to home.”

The expansion will add 101 new inpatient beds; two additional Patient Care Units with 64 beds for future expansion; a dedicated coronary care unit, expanded Laboratory, Diagnostic Imaging and Emergency departments; two new operating rooms and the jewel in the crown, the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre.

“This is an exciting time for RVH and an achievement for which our region can be very proud,” says Steve Blanchet, Chair of the RVH Board of Directors. “The hard work and dedication of RVH staff, volunteers, and physicians, teamed with the tremendous community support has taken this project from a dream to a reality.”

That support has come from people right across Simcoe and Muskoka with contributions of a staggering $34 million towards RVH’s $35 million “I Believe” capital fundraising campaign. RVH’s Auxiliary jump-started the efforts with a $5 million pledge – which the volunteers have already met, three years ahead of schedule. Additionally, the commitment of $52.5 million from the City of Barrie and $20 million from the County of Simcoe helped to put this project on the fast-track for approvals from the provincial government.

The expansion will not only create hundreds of direct jobs but also create significant spin-off benefits, which will provide a huge boost to the region during this present economic downturn. When complete, RVH will have added 1,200 skilled health professionals to their payroll.

As a result of the construction, there will be some access changes beginning the first week of March for patients, visitors and staff coming to the hospital. The second floor or ‘main entrance’ will be closed to all but emergency vehicles or patients coming to the Emergency Department. All other patients, visitors and staff will now enter the hospital via the lower level, or ‘Outpatient’ entrance. Signage will direct the public to the appropriate entrance.