The St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry’s Bay has received $2 million from the province in Health Infrastructure Renewal Funding (HIRF).
Hospital president and CEO Suzanne Madore said a large part of the funding will be used to update the hospital’s helipad, and ensure ORNGE helicopter services can continue to access the site.
“It really helps to transfer patients directly by air ambulance, which is more timely. So if there’s somebody who’s in need of trauma-based care, cardiac care, something that’s only available by distance and needs more timely access, i.e., Ottawa, then this air transport allows that to happen,” she said.
She said currently, the helipad has been temporarily moved during a separate construction project on the hospital’s emergency department. Once that project is done, the helipad will move back to its original location.
But, it is in need of upgrades to bring it up to standards.
The funding will help to stabilize the embankment the pad is next to.
“Things like the HIRF funding help us to meet standards, make sure we’re up to date, and providing the community with the services they need. And in small communities, that’s more and more challenging, I would say,” Madore said.
“To see these investments in small hospitals is certainly very appreciated for the sustainability of the health system.”
She said other improvements being made with the funding will include flooring replacements, automatic door opener installation and roof repairs.
