LHIN endorses expansion of Stevenson Memorial Hospital

CTV Barrie: LHIN approves expansion The first step in expanding Stevenson Memorial Hospital is now complete. Brandon Rowe explains.

A major expansion plan at the hospital in Alliston has cleared another hurdle.

The Central Local Health Integration Network endorsed Stevenson Memorial Hospital’s plan to expand on Tuesday night.

“Ultimately we want to provide the best health care for Ontarians that we can, and our LHIN’s job is to ensure that there's equity and access for all folks when it comes to health care."

In 2014, hospital officials decided – at their own cost – to come up with a plan to expand. The project will cost about $136 million and double the hospital's current size to over 140,000 square feet.

There will be new operating room suites, a new diagnostic imaging lab, and a much needed emergency department upgrade.

"Unfortunately we just don't have the any room to expand right now. Last year we saw about 36,000 visits," says Dr. Matthew Myatt, chief of the emergency department.

It's so busy the hospital has put beds in the hallway to accommodate patients.

"If we have higher volumes that's going to mean longer wait times cause we just don't have the places to see people. If we do get an expansion, we'll be able to see people even faster, and people will be much happier."

Right now the hospital is in the first stage, and will need approval from the Ministry of Health before moving on to stage two.