A Belleville long term care residence is getting a major upgrade while a brand new facility will be built in Madoc, part of what the province is calling a historic investment to modernize long term care.
The Ministry of Long Term care announced 80 new projects across the province Thursday at a cost of $933 million.
Minister of Long Term Care, Dr. Merrrilee Fullerton said the investment will help prevent and contain the transmission of infectious diseases and ensure residents have access to the care they need in a safe and secure environment.
Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith was on site to announce a new and upgraded 160-bed facility at Belleville’s Westgate Lodge.
There are currently 88 beds at the Wilkie Street residence.
“It’s gonna meet all of the modern specifications that are necessary, more space, less ward rooms. It’s gonna be a four-storey building that’s going to overlook the Bay of Quinte. It’s gonna be a great facility that has all of the infection prevention control measures that are necessary in a new and modern facility.”
CEO Greg Freeman hopes to be breaking ground within 12 months.
“A lot of it depends on the Ministry review process. We are ahead with some of our drawings and could submit those. It will depend on where we are in their queue and how long it takes them to approve the plans and the drawings but I would hope that by this time next year we would be in the ground or have already been in the ground.”
Freeman says they will have to almost double their staff.
“We’re proud of the staff here and we look forward to being able to have new amenities for the residents but also a new and modern workspace for the staff. I would expect that we’d be increasing our staff by about 80.”
There are currently about 90 staff at the home
Via a virtual announcement, Hastings, Lennox and Addington MPP Daryl Kramp declared the brand new Clara McFaul Long Term Care home in Madoc will have 128 care spaces.
It will be located on a 6.5 acre site beside a 60-acre conservation area and will be run by Universal Long Term Care Canada.
President and CEO Joseph Gulizia.
“We will soon be working with the Ministry of Long Term Care to have the design of the home approved so we can have shovels in the ground next spring. This new home will include the latest design improvements required to safely care and protect our seniors, our staff and families.”
Kramp also revealed another 128-bed facility will be built by Lennox & Addington County General Hospital on its campus in Napanee.
The design plan for a redeveloped Westgate Lodge, Wilkie Street, Belleville. The facility will increase in size from 88 to 160 beds.
The design plan for a redeveloped Westgate Lodge, Wilkie Street, Belleville. The facility will increase in size from 88 to 160 beds.
The design plan for a redeveloped Westgate Lodge, Wilkie Street, Belleville. The facility will increase in size from 88 to 160 beds.
