County’s new hospital moves one step closer to reality

Today, the plan to build a new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) takes another exciting step forward toward ‘shovels in the ground’. As announced by Infrastructure Ontario, a request for qualifications (RFQ) has been issued.

“This is indeed a memorable day. With this exciting next step, we gain momentum toward shovels in the ground and the opening of an extraordinary new hospital for the people of Prince Edward County,” said Barbara McConnell, Chair of the Prince edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation. “Many have had a hand in moving this project from a deeply held wish to a reality.

“To them we express our deepest gratitude. But for the hospital foundation, which is responsible for raising the community’s share of the cost, we shout out praise to our County residents, permanent and seasonal. Without your amazing, on-going support, we might not have reached this day.”

The RFQ is the first step in the process to select a team to deliver the project. Submissions will be reviewed to shortlist teams with the required construction experience applicable to this project, as well as the financial capacity to deliver a project of this size and complexity.

“The new hospital will respond to the needs and values of our community, ensuring care close to home for the residents and visitors of Prince Edward County today and for generations to come, and will play a vital role regionally as part of an integrated family of four Quinte Health hospitals,” said Dr. Sarah LeBlanc, PECMH Site Lead, Prince Edward Family Health Team.

The new PECMH will be a leading edge facility, designed to fully align with current codes and infection control standards. Operational effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability are top priorities for the build.

Shortlisted teams will then be invited to respond to a request for proposals, which is expected to be released in the fall of 2023. Interested companies must register with merx.com to download the RFQ. Based on the RFP submissions, a winning team will be selected.

“The efforts to build a new hospital to serve the residents and visitors of PEC is a remarkable example of the power of collaboration – working together with one vision and one united voice,” said Stacey Daub, President and CEO, Quinte Health. “The strength, determination and unwavering commitment of partners, our teams, and our communities has propelled forward the detailed planning for our new hospital. Officially beginning the procurement process is an exciting milestone well worth celebrating. I am grateful to the provincial government for their ongoing support.”

“Infrastructure Ontario’s issuing of a request for qualifications is another positive indicator that a new hospital will be built in Prince Edward County, providing quality health care for generations to come. Our government believes in this project. I share in the excitement that we’re getting closer to building and commend Quinte Health and the community for their ongoing commitment and our progress together,” said Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte.

Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson notews the hospital is a cornerstone of the community.

“This new modern facility, when built, will provide residents with peace of mind knowing that their health-care needs will continue to be met right here in their community, now and in the future. We are excited to see this vital redevelopment project take another step forward with the request for qualifications being issued.”

The Hospital Auxiliary is also looking forward to this next step.

“To see this process moving forward is an incentive for the auxiliary to continue to support the funding of this project. Knowing that our hospital is becoming a reality, is encouraging to all of us in beautiful Prince Edward County,” said Cathy Starkey, President, PECMH Auxiliary.