JXTC GENRE : DECEMBER 08 TEMPLATE

Lakeridge Health Bowmanville is getting a new critical care unit.

Lakeridge Health (LH) and the Memorial Hospital Foundation- Bowmanville (MHFB) have agreed to construct a new, level 2 Critical Care (CCU) Unit (formerly known as ICU) and telemetry unit.  The Foundation will provide $1.3 million toward the new unit with LH funding the balance.  Total cost of the project will be based on final architectural designs and a competitive bid process. The Bowmanville campus recently opened a new Gift Shop and a new mammography (breast screening) area is expected to open this month.

“Lakeridge Health Bowmanville is at an awkward point in its development – too big and busy for the status quo yet too small to attract the health professionals needed in our growing community,” said Doug Allingham.  “The Bowmanville campus needs a jolt of new investment to kick start it toward the next level.”

“Today and for many years, telemetry patients and the nurses who electronically monitored their status are on different floors of the hospital.  This situation risked response delays and communication challenges – threatening quality and safety,” noted Kevin Empey, President and CEO of Lakeridge Health. “Lakeridge Health is recognized for our leadership and important critical care (ICU) role for Durham and the eastern GTA.  This investment at LH Bowmanville will not only enhance this role, but should help us attract and retain important specialists to support the campus. This project will put in place an important building block for the hospital’s growth and set it on a path toward its bright future.”

The Memorial Hospital Foundation - Bowmanville, local physicians and LH officials agree that the project must proceed now with the ER project to follow.

“When we triaged the urgency of the CCU against the importance of the ER project, it’s clear to us that although both are needed - the CCU must come first,” said Dr. Benj Fuller, LH’s Chief of Emergency and LH Bowmanville ER physician. The project, including design, moves and construction is expected to take a period of 10 months and open late Fall, 2010.  This will require a temporary reduction in the number of beds at LH Bowmanville to accommodate the construction and continue quality care.  The site is full until LH Whitby patients currently at LH Bowmanville return to Whitby once fire retrofits are completed (Fall 2010).

“It’s like setting and casting a fracture.  While there is discomfort and inconvenience, as doctors we know this short term pain is the right thing to do … and will ensure that it grows in the right direction and can meet its full potential,” said Dr. Tony Stone.

“We have a terrific opportunity as a community to continue to support the Hospital to be everything it needs to be as people get older, families grow, and their health care needs change. The new CCU is just the spring board for the overall development of the Hospital”, said Gerry Johnston, Chair of the Memorial Hospital Foundation – Bowmanville.  “Our need for good health and access to care unites all of us, so we encourage all residents and businesses in Clarington to make the Hospital one of their charities of choice. Gifts for health really do touch lives”, added Darlene Bastianelli, Executive Director – MHFB.