HEALTH CARE

While the existing building will see major renovations and upgrades, with the emergency room department renovations are currently underway, a completely new hospital structure is being proposed across the street from the current BGH, in the parking lot off Terrace Hill Street

Exactly what that new facility will look like is unknown at this time, says Hamm, but the BCHS is working with consultants over the next few months to develop the plan, submit it and work with the MOH and MOI with the hopes of obtaining final approval by November, at which time more details will be shared with the public.

As for the 80,000 square foot Willett site, it’s yet to be determined if it will be a secondary or new build but the primary focus of that building will continue to be urgent care and ambulatory.

“We can’t stress enough that having that alignment across community ensures the project moves forward timely,” said Hamm in relation to a letter of support from Brant County Council.

Councillors had some concerns over the logistics of the new design that would see a new hospital constructed in a space where there’s an active hospital and very little space to redirect traffic. Councillor John Bell felt strongly that the BCHS should push back and force the MOH to see the benefits of building on greenfield land Councillor Steve Howes had questions on how he could ease constituents concerns on what the new hospital will look like since the plans are changing again. In the end, the councillors voted to support the project with a letter

Mayor David Bailey will meet with Hamm to discuss the specifics of the letter of support. Brant County’s growth and healthcare needs are not slowing down The BCHS continues to support the largest First Nations population in Canada. The local healthcare’s 20 Year Growth rate is projected to be 36.8% according to the Ministry of Finance summer 2023 release. The BCHS crested a 10% Growth Rate increase over 2022 and that jump was not in the forecast. Our hospital has already exceeded our capacity on all fronts so the urgency to firm up plans and start construction is becoming dire If you want to view the entire discussion, including Hamm’s presentation, it is available online here

A close look at the community’s healthcare needs in 2023 and to date. The local healthcare’s 20 Year Growth rate is projected to be 36.8% according to the Ministry of Finance summer 2023 release. Local healthcare saw a 10% growth increase between 2022 to 2023 alone, which was not forecasted.