MHA RECEIVES HIRF FUNDING

 Both Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital (SMGH) and Four Counties Health Services (FCHS) will benefit from the government’s announcement to double the provincial Health Infrastructure Renewal Funding (HIRF) allocation from $56.1M to $124.9M. 

This year FCHS will receive up to $282,488 and in 2015/16 up to $141,244.  Last year FCHS received a one time allocation of $236,728.  SMGH will be receiving up to $1,600,693 this fiscal year and up to $800,346 next year.  Last year the HIRF allocation for SMGH equated to $567,687. 

“HIRF is greatly appreciated as it affords us the opportunity to replace or repair aging equipment such as boilers, air conditioners, windows and emergency power generators, cladding, etc.,” says Todd Stepanuik.   “The funding is critical in terms of keeping our buildings up to date.  Without it, we would not have the ability to invest in the various projects.”

Over the past few years the MHA, via HIRF, has been successful in completing several eligible projects. SMGH installed a steam process boiler, is currently working on a domestic water upgrade, a new nurse call system upgrade on One and Two South, and corridor ceiling and asbestos sprayed fireproofing abatement in parts of the hospital.   FCHS installed a fire alarm signal upgrade, and replaced heating boilers and installed a new nurse call system. 

With current funding received, SMGH is planning to complete an external re-cladding of the hospital, given the declining condition of the exterior, (brick spalling, moisture penetration, etc.). This decision was rendered so as to prevent water penetrating the brick, improve the vapour barrier, better protect the building from the elements and reduce energy costs. In addition the cladding will offer a new look to the building.  FCHS is planning a bundled approach to spend its allocation.  Various projects including a fence around the helipad, window replacement, medical vacuum replacement, condensing unit replacement and domestic water upgrades will also be completed.

These funds are to be spent by March 31, 2015, as unspent funds cannot be carried forward.