SLMHC Update
New Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Breaks Ground
The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre marked another milestone as it hosted an elaborate site dedication for a new hospital during a full day event in Sioux Lookout today.
"This site dedication marks a major milestone in progress toward constructing a new, distinctive complex that will include a hospital and related services," said Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Board Co-Chair Frank Beardy. "The hopes and dreams of many years are finally becoming a reality. All people of Sioux Lookout and area and our 28 northern communities will benefit from this new centre."
"Work completed on this site to date will pave the way to an early construction start on the buildings that will carry northern health services for decades into the future," added Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Board Co-Chari Kai Koivukoski.
The dedication marks more than 10 years of planning under a Four-Party Agreement signed by Health Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Municipality of Sioux Lookout, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation – a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities across Ontario, 26 of which are within the Sioux Lookout Zone.
"We all look forward with anticipation and optimism for the impact this new hospital will have on improving health outcomes for First Nation people," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. "The determinants of health for our people are mostly social and require sustained efforts to break down the systemic barriers faced in our communities. Meno Ya Win Health Centre represents one of many resources needed to raise the standards of living for our people and we've waited a long time for it to become a reality. It is a day to celebrate, but we cannot lose sight of persistent need - the new hospital is the beginning of the process, not the end."
Under the terms of the Agreement, the cost of constructing the hospital is shared among the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, and the hospital corporation. In 2005 Health Canada contributed $37.4 million towards the cost of construction.
"Today marks a significant milestone in a long-term partnership that will ensure area residents, including 28 remote First Nation communities, have access to quality and timely health care services," said Federal Health Minister Tony Clement. "I congratulate all the people in the Sioux Lookout area and everyone who has been involved in this important project."
"Our government is committed to ensuring that patients everywhere in the province have access to the best quality care," said provincial Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman. "The Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre is a significant step towards that goal for aboriginal communities in the north western part of the province, and represents an important investment in the health of future generations. As a Centre of Excellence, it will be a role model for the delivery of both culturally-sensitive and holistic health care."
"Today's site dedication represents a significant step in the process that brings us closer to the goal of having a new health care facility in Sioux Lookout," said Sioux Lookout Mayor Kathy Poling. "It is a testament to the vision and dedication of four orders of government working together with communities to provide a higher standard of health care for all people in this region."
The dedication also marked the first year that four third-year students of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine will complete their comprehensive community clerkship at the Meno Ya Win Health Centre. An affiliation agreement between NOSM and Meno-Ya-Win has been signed, solidifying a partnership between the two institutions and allowing NOSM students to gain valuable hands-on practical experience in the community.
The full day event included drumming by Lac Seul and NAN drum groups followed by a Four Directions ceremony with local area church leaders and traditional people participating in the procession to mark the dedication and give blessings to signify "we are all one' under Creation. First Nation leaders brought soil from their communities to mingle with the soil on site, symbolic of partnerships and working together.
Craft tables and health services/program displays which were set up in an area underneath the big tent drew a lot of attention by visitors and guests alike.
The complete health complex will include the new Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, a hostel for First Nation people traveling to or through Sioux Lookout for health care, and other related health service buildings that will service Sioux Lookout and area, including 28 northern First Nation communities in Ontario.
The new 140,000 square foot health centre building will house existing hospital, mental health and addiction, and other health services now spread over eight sites. Many services will be expanded or enhanced with improvements. New services are expected to include a five-bed withdrawal management unit, dedicated palliative care area, visiting specialist clinic, traditional healing and support areas, CT scan unit, and both screening and diagnostic mammography.
Cost estimates for the project are being finalized, but are expected to exceed $75 million for construction of the building.
Construction is expected to begin Spring 2008 to be completed early 2010.