Dignitaries, hospital and foundation representatives, and a patient cut the ceremonial ribbon tomark the celebratory grand opening of Michael Garron Hospital’s new Ken and MarilynThomson Patient Care Centre.
By: Alison Shouldice, Communications Specialist, Michael Garron Hospital
Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) marked a historic milestone by celebrating the grand opening of Ontario's newest hospital facility, the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre (Thomson Centre) on January 11.
The Thomson Centre is the centrepiece of MGH's campus transformation, which is the largest redevelopment project in the hospital's history.
It adds 550,000 square feet to the hospital, with 215 inpatient beds and two floors of brand new outpatient clinics.
The facility offers patients light-filled surroundings and greater privacy, bringing dignity and respite as they heal and recover.
“The opening of the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre is a pivotal moment for healthcare in East Toronto," says Wolf Klassen, President and CEO, Interim, at MGH.
“As a community hospital, MGH provides high-quality specialized care close to home for East Toronto residents. Our teams are excited to begin caring for patients in a modern, state-of-the-art facility that the community deserves."
A new era of healthcare for 400,000 residents of East Toronto
East Toronto is one of Ontario's most diverse communities, with 22 distinct neighbourhoods, including priority neighbourhoods such as Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park and Taylor-Massey.
“I am thrilled to celebrate the opening of this state-of-the-art facility that will connect this community with high-quality care, close to home" says the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario.
MGH's community has a broad spectrum of health and social care needs, including a higher prevalence of chronic, complex illnesses and mental health challenges than the general population.
“I've seen first-hand how MGH cares for its patients and puts community at the heart of everything it does," says Razia Rashed, MGH patient and community member.
“As a community member, the Thomson Centre gives me hope for the future of healthcare in East Toronto."
Some of the features in MGH's Thomson Centre include:
215 patient beds: 215 of the hospital's total patient beds are being replaced by beds in the Thomson Centre for MGH's Medicine, Surgery and Mental Health Units. 80% of patient rooms are single occupancy (with the remaining double occupancy) and every patient has their own bathroom, allowing for better privacy and improving infection prevention measures.
Two inpatient mental health units: The Thomson Centre supports MGH's role as a mental healthcare hub for East Toronto. It offers an exceptional therapeutic environment with purpose-built space for the 44-bed Adult Mental Health Inpatient Unit and the six-bed Slaight Family Child & Youth Mental Health Inpatient Unit for children and teens experiencing acute mental health crises. It also includes the Huband Moffat Family Terrace, a secure, open-air rooftop that supports healing and recovery for mental health patients.
Surgery Inpatient Unit: MGH's new Surgery Inpatient Unit is built using best practices in clinical design to provide a safe and supportive healing environment. This space has the capacity to accommodate 45 inpatients in a combination of both single- and double-occupancy patient rooms. The unit also has patient support spaces, including a rehabilitation room for occupational therapy and physiotherapy, as well as a patient and family lounge.
Chronic Disease Unit (outpatient): The second floor of the Thomson Centre co-locates three of the hospital's largest chronic illness outpatient programs into one purpose-built space that includes the Steel Canada Resources Ltd Chest Centre, the Neo Azad Foundation Kidney Centre and the Zeena & Farid Amarshi Family Cardiac Centre.
Carswell Family Centre for Medical Education: MGH's new education facility includes classrooms and study spaces that enhance the hospital's ability to train tomorrow's medical professionals.
Simulation Centre: MGH's new Simulation Centre is a healthcare simulation space designed to provide hands-on immersive learning experiences for staff and learners. The Simulation Centre includes a simulation room with two patient bays and a control room for instruction and debriefing. This space enables learners to practice the skills needed during real-life scenarios.
Public areas: MGH's Thomson Centre is home to a welcoming and spacious main lobby and registration area; new retail spaces, including the Moez & Marissa Kassam Food Court; four levels of underground parking; and two outdoor terraces, including one open for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.
While the Thomson Centre is the centrepiece of MGH's campus transformation, the larger project will continue until 2024 with renovations to existing areas of the hospital, decommissioning of outdated wings and new greenery and landscaping to welcome the community to the new facility.