Dr. Eric Hoskins, the Provincial Minister of Health and Long-Term Care was in Brampton today to announce that 37 new hospital beds would be opening up at Brampton Civic hospital before the holiday season, addressing concerns of a “Hallway Health” crisis at Brampton Civic over the past year. In addition, the Minister announced that “I am also here today to confirm that our government is funding phase two of the redevelopment of the Peel Memorial site.” The press conference was live streamed by Brampton Focus.
Brampton’s rapidly growing population of over 600,000 people is currently under serviced in terms of hospital beds per resident. Provincial NDP Leader Andrea Horwath has been beating the warning drums in the city this Fall and today’s move by the Liberal government is seen by many as a reaction to what could have been a major election issue next year in both the Provincial and Municipal races.
Mayor Linda Jeffrey has been criticized by many in the city for not taking the hospital bed crisis seriously. We interviewed her after the announcement in which she was clearly happy with the turn of events and also indicated that the city is moving forward with plans to identify and protect land for a 3rd hospital. The Mayor also indicated that municipal funding for Phase 2 of the Peel Memorial site has already been collected from residents and set aside. For more, read: Peel Memorial Phase 2 Announced – Stand Up For Brampton and Province Adding More 37 New Beds to Brampton Civic Hospital – Bramptonist.
