Ontario health minister announces surgical centre expansion in London

Minister of Health Sylvia Jones was in London on Thursday to make the announcement. Gerry Dewan reports.

The Ontario government has announced new funding for the Nazem Kadri Surgical Centre at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones was on hand Thursday for the announcement.

“Our government continues to lead the country with the shortest surgical wait times of any province to ensure people have fast, convenient access to surgical procedures in their community,” said Jones. “This expansion of the Nazem Kadri Surgical Centre at London Health Sciences Centre will reduce surgical wait times and connect even more people in the London area to the surgeries and procedures they need in a timely manner, for years to come.”

According to officials, this investment will expand the surgical centre by building four new operating rooms, bringing the total number to six, and create additional support spaces for patient preparation and recovery.

A construction schedule will be confirmed once future planning is complete and the project is tendered and awarded.

The ministry will work with LHSC to complete the early planning and design for this project.

Details on the cost of construction or a timeline for when the operating rooms will come online are not available at this time.