QHC approves stage two for Prince Edward County’s new hospital

Stage two of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital was approved by Quinte Health Care’s board Tuesday afternoon during a meeting at the Picton Community Centre.

The 364-page ‘Functional Program’ shows a detailed outline of the functions and operations of the new hospital, staffing, major equipment needs and space requirements for each department and service.

Proposed to be built behind the current facility, it includes 24-hour emergency care, inpatient beds, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, more examination rooms and 18 inpatient beds – up from the original 12 proposed, and a plan for expansion for five more beds, possible by 2034-35.

A preliminary architectural design shows the proposed space of the building, location of the site, entrances, exits, various departments, helipad, parking and green spaces.

The site plan proposes relocation of the helipad to the north of the property; construction of the new hospital to west end of the site, behind the existing building; demolition of the current building and construction of parking and greenspace east of the new building.

It also provides details of the new operating and capital funding needs. Costs are estimated at $80 million with the community campaign goal set at $16.5 million – of which $10.4 million has already been raised.

The stage two planning document now moves to the South East Local Health Integration Network before it’s submitted to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Stage three involves preliminary design expected by the end of this year. Stage four is working drawings. Both stages require government approval before stage five – the review and approval to tender. The hospital opening is forecast for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.