CEEH Foundation kicks off fundraising campaign for CEE Emergency and Diagnostic Imaging renovations and upgrades
SARNIA & PETROLIA – May 10, 2024 – Earlier today, Bluewater Health was joined by MPP Bob Bailey, Petrolia Mayor Brad Loosley, and the Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital (CEEH) Foundation to announce a significant step in the CEEH Capital Redevelopment project. The hospital recently received approval from the Ministry of Health to move to the next stage of the project, which includes long-awaited renovations to the Petrolia emergency department.
“Our government is committed to high quality rural healthcare delivery,” said Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey. “We are investing in important upgrades at CEEH in Petrolia so residents can continue to get the quality care they need, when they need it, close to home.”
The next stage in the Ministry’s Capital Planning Process is Stage 2.3, Contracts Documents submission, and involves finalizing design plans for the emergency department renovations. The project could see construction begin on Petrolia’s emergency department as early as 2025 – happening in phases and taking approximately 18 to 24 months to complete.
“This exciting news is so welcomed by the Town of Petrolia – especially as we proudly celebrate 150 years,” said Mayor Brad Loosley. “Petrolia’s pride is built on our heritage and CEEH has a rich history. Our Town and residents have worked hard to protect our community hospital, and this milestone is another assurance of a bright future for CEEH.”
Stage 2 work focuses on the much-needed and long-awaited Petrolia emergency department redevelopment which includes 1,500 square feet of renovated clinical emergency department space, a separate ambulance and patient walk-in entrance, as well as diagnostic imaging equipment upgrades.
“We are thrilled to be at this next major milestone in the CEEH Capital Redevelopment project,” said Paula Reaume-Zimmer, President and CEO, Bluewater Health. “We are sincerely grateful to the ongoing support of the Ministry, our partners and the Petrolia and Central Lambton community – together, we are all committed to high quality rural healthcare delivery for decades to come.”
For projects funded by the province, the Ministry cost shares approximately 90% of the eligible capital costs. The CEEH Foundation has committed to covering additional project costs, as well raising funds needed for hospital equipment and renovation furnishings.
“The CEEH Foundation has already raised $700,000 towards our $3.1 million goal,” said CEEH Foundation Chair, Mark Braet. “We know how important the future of our rural community hospital is to the residents of Petrolia and Central Lambton. We are confident in the generosity and support of our community in being successful in raising the additional $2.4 million needed to bring this plan to reality.” Those interested in making a donation towards the Petrolia emergency department renovations and diagnostic imaging upgrades can visit www.ceehf.ca/donate.
The project is funded by the province of Ontario and the Ministry’s funding commitment will be announced when the construction contract is awarded, and final costs are known.
Throughout the capital planning process, Bluewater Health has continued to invest, through hospital capital budget and Health Infrastructure Renewal Funding, in the Petrolia hospital. Upgrades include a new boiler plant, upgraded plumbing and electrical, a new sterilization boiler and cooling tower, renovated acute care rooms and washrooms, lab renovations, new patient bedside TVs, updated facility-wide wayfinding signage, and freshly painted walls on hospital units.
