MPP Arnott Supports Groves Hospital Redevelopment

The Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus is one of Ontario’s health care success stories, says Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott.

“I never cease to be amazed by the extraordinary, compassionate care that our residents receive from the nurses, doctors, and support staff at Groves,” Mr. Arnott said. “We have had outstanding leadership from Executive Director Carolyn Skimson, and our administrative staff, our volunteer Board members, and the Foundation members have all done superb work. Our community has been the beneficiary of their efforts.”

It was recently announced that Groves Hospital will receive $129,763 from the Provincial Government’s Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund. This will enable the hospital to make needed upgrades to remain in top condition for its patients.

“While every hospital in Ontario continues to face budget challenges, I hope that this funding will enable Groves to make the upgrades which in turn will make patient care even better,” Mr. Arnott added.

Mr. Arnott also expressed appreciation to everyone in Wellington County who has made a contribution or a pledge to the Groves Hospital redevelopment project. In total more than $14 million has been pledged by the community to date. The next obstacle the Groves redevelopment project faces is the need for approval by the Ministry of Health for the Hospital’s Master Plan and for Functional Planning. The Hospital cannot begin this phase of the project until explicit approval is given by the Province.

“This strong show of support for our Hospital is something that must impress the Government, and merits the Ministry of Health’s approval for moving forward with the redevelopment project,” Mr. Arnott stated.

“I will not accept unnecessary delays in hospital redevelopment in Waterloo-Wellington,” said Mr. Arnott. “If approval for functional planning has not been granted by the time the Legislature reconvenes next month, the Minister of Health will hear from me in the House.”