Current News > October 27th, 2009: KDH presents new master site plan to community meeting
KDH presents new master site plan to community meeting
Kemptville, ON, October 27, 2009 – On Monday, October 26th, Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) CEO Colin Goodfellow invited approximately one hundred of the Hospital’s closest neighbors to an open meeting, designed to provide an update on the progress of the current redevelopment and share what the future may hold for the KDH complex.
Phase 1 of the expansion project, comprised of a new Emergency Room, Diagnostic Imaging Suites and additional surgical day care space, is already 26% complete and is on budget and on schedule to begin accepting patients by September 2010.
Goodfellow shared site drawings for Phases 2 and 3 of the Hospital’s Master Plan, which has been reviewed and accepted by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care. Phase 2 is inpatient beds and phase 3 is a new ambulatory care centre. He stressed that a budget has not been approved and that detailed plans have not been drawn up for any plans beyond the current redevelopment. He further reminded people of the fifteen plus years it took to receive approval for the current phase one redevelopment.
The new site plan also included three options for an expanded health services mall, which would become home to many other local health and social services as well as the relocated hospitals administrative wing.
However the highlight of the evening was the proposed seniors supportive housing. There is a severe shortage of quality housing for seniors in the area. Kemptville District Hospital has proposed an 80-unit building to be located where the hospital’s administration building sits currently. The development is waiting for the provincial green light but has already been endorsed by the County.
People in attendance at the meeting expressed enthusiasm for the idea of supportive housing for seniors, as well as the proposed design. Architectural renditions were presented and one resident remarked that the proposed building “looks very attractive”.
When questioned about the definition of supportive housing, Goodfellow explained that visiting nurses would be available and a social worker may be available. Rents would be 80% of Ottawa market rents. One of the goals of the housing project is to eliminate isolation. Priority will be given to residents from Kemptville and area. Goodfellow pointed to a current resident of KDH’s Interim Long-term Care as a perfect candidate, someone who is no longer able to live alone in a large house, but who does not require round-the-clock medical care.Heather Hughes, one of local residents in attendance, remarked that she thought “it was wonderful to having something to look forward to. It’s long-overdue and much needed. Just today, I was speaking to someone who has a family member who could benefit from this project”.
In discussing the proposal, Goodfellow noted “this hospital was built by the community. The needs of the community are changing – and we need to adapt to those changes. We have an aging population. Those original KDH supporters and builders are now the age of the people who need supportive housing. I am personally thrilled that our community is there for the people who made us what we are today”
Goodfellow also noted that the project is in keeping with the Hospital’s mandate of building healthier communities and the Board of Directors of KDH feel that the Seniors Supportive Housing Unit will “give people better lives”.
At the end of the meeting, one resident summed up his feelings for the organizers of the meeting: “This is just perfect.”
KDH CEO Colin Goodfellow meets with the Hospital’s neighbors to share news of future development. |
KDH’s neighbors attend Open Meeting with Hospital CEO Colin Goodfellow |
Architectural rendition of the exterior of KDH’s proposed Seniors Supportive Housing unit |
Floor plans of 1 and 2 bedroom units |
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Floor plan of the first floor of the building |
For more information, please contact:
Colin Goodfellow
CEO, Kemptville District Hospital
Tel: 613-258-6133 x 132
E-mail: cgoodfellow@kdh.on.ca
Linda Bell
Director, Kemptville District Hospital Foundation/ Manager, Hospital Communications
Tel: 613-258-6133 x 194
E-mail: lbell@kdh.on.ca