RVH Board chair Rob Tripp, left, joins MPP John Yakabuski at Monday's announcement.
It certainly wasn’t the first time Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski was at Renfrew Victoria Hospital to make an announcement, but it was quite likely the last.
The retiring politician was at the hospital Monday afternoon (Jan. 27) to announce a provincial commitment to the redevelopment of the facility’s second and third floor.
With a provincial election expected to be called Wednesday and Yakabuski set to retire, he said he was thrilled to be able to announce the project that will see the second (active care) and third (chronic care) floors of the hospital undergo much-needed renovations.
Yakabuski said he’s had many meetings over the years with the leadership of RVH about how important this redevelopment is.
Good health care is what keeps people in communities and attracts people to the region, he said.
RVH board chair Rob Tripp said there is not an official dollar figure attached to the project yet.
Tripp outlined the work that will be done.
Tripp noted that the initiative is staff-driven.
The hospital continues to operate under provincial supervision, something Tripp said allowed for attention to be drawn to areas in the hospital that required attention. The minister and ministry is committed to RVH, he said.
The project, Tripp said, will have an impact beyond the walls of RVH in terms of economic development, in terms of increased employment, contractors, etc., who will in turn buy houses and shop here.
After the election, discussion will begin with ministry officials to determine the work plan, scope and other required elements and details.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)