January 27, 2003

Contact:
James Bullbrook
Restructuring Communications
519-685-8500, ext. 75532

Premier Eves Announces Major Equipment Funding

(LONDON, Ontario) - Premier of Ontario Ernie Eves today announced major capital funding for the purchase of equipment for use in new and renovated hospital facilities in London and elsewhere. A total of $118 million in funding was announced province-wide. Premier Eves made the announcement from the newly constructed Critical Care Trauma Centre at the Victoria Campus of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

LHSC received $26.6 million toward a total equipment cost of $36.53 million. St. Joseph's Health Care, London (SJHC) received $10.6 million toward a total equipment cost of $15.1 million. The balance of the cost will be raised from the community through the initiatives of both hospitals' foundations.

"Today's announcement brings us another step closer to realizing our shared vision for the future of London's hospitals. We are please that our professionals will be able to provide modern, progressive care to our patients as a result of the provincial government's investment in new equipment. We are also grateful to our many generous donors for their ongoing support," said Tony Dagnone, President and CEO of London Health Sciences Centre.

"We very much appreciate the Government's leadership role in providing the resources to acquire the essential equipment that our medical and hospital staff will need to provide care in our restructured hospital system," said Cliff Nordal, President & CEO of St. Joseph's Health Care, London.

This new equipment spans over 700 categories and includes beds, monitors, respirators and wheelchairs. It will benefit patients in a multitude of areas, including emergency care, critical care, cardiac care, ambulatory care, diagnostic imaging, operating rooms and women's health.

The announcement follows the province's commitment in May 2002 of $211 million toward the funding of new and renovated hospital facilities in London. The $369.5 million redevelopment of London hospitals is the largest construction project in the city's history. It is scheduled for completion in 2008.