SLMHC Update
Approval For New Hospital Announced
Ontario Minister of Health and Long Term Care, George Smitherman, announced approval of the new Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre today. His announcement confirmed Ontario's commitment to build the new hospital. A more detailed approval letter formally approving commencement of the tendering process will be issued in the next few days.
"Our people have dreamed of this day for many years. Over the years many people have worked very hard to realize this dream", said Frank Beardy, co-chair of the Hospital Board and one of the principal architects of the 1997 Sioux Lookout Four Party Hospital Services Agreement which led to the original commitment to build a new hospital in Sioux Lookout. "Today marks a major milestone in realizing those dreams. It will take continued work with all of our partners to finish the job."
"The Minister's approval underlines the shared recognition of the unique needs and issues related to northern community and First Nations health and health care," said Kai Koivukoski, also co-chair of the hospital board. He added, "Our efforts to enhance health services are starting to be realized. Continuing collaboration is needed to address key health issues and further improve health services. This new hospital will help us succeed."
"It is a great day for Sioux Lookout and the Northern First Nations communities," said Terry Jewell, chairman of the Facilities Committee for the SLMHC. "I look forward to the task ahead of us, building the new hospital."
We are simply delighted at what this commitment means for our community," said Marnie Hoey, SLMHC Foundation Chair. "Many individuals in the community have worked hard to raise funds for the new hospital. We are hoping to meet all of our fund-raising targets for the new building soon."
Josias Fiddler, Interim Traditional Healer for the Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre is pleased that the new facility will integrate traditional aboriginal medicines and healing methods with western medicine. "This will be Canada's first hospital designed to accept traditional healing in with the other services. The Elders are quietly content with the news", said Josias. "As well, First Nations people will continue to enjoy traditional foods in their daily diet during their stay in the facility, foods such as wild rice and game".
Amongst First Nations people, there is a belief that language barriers and cultural differences contribute to slowing down a person's diagnosis and recovery. "It takes longer to become sensitive to the needs of First Nations clients", said Ennis Fiddler. "We like to have family and friends around during the healing process, contrary to western practice. Staff will have the opportunity to learn and be able to have a working knowledge with the dialects of the Sioux Lookout service area".
"The new hospital and health center will be the physical foundation for continued enhancement and expansion of health services to Ontario's most at-risk population," said Roger Walker, SLMHC CEO. "The Minister's support has allowed us to lead in the development of culturally-attuned health services."
The new hospital will be about 140,000 square feet, approximately 1½ time the size of the combined existing 8 sites.
The new building will support 60 inpatient beds. The two existing hospitals provide 41 beds.
New services will include a large ambulatory care treatment and diagnostic area including a visiting specialist clinic area, screening and diagnostic mammography services, a palliative care area, additional complex continuing care beds, withdrawal management services, and gathering, waiting and ceremonial spaces. A CT scanning proposal is awaiting approval.
The new hospital and health center will unite all key services on a single site with a single point of entry.