(Strathroy, ON) – We are pleased share some exciting news about our Diabetes Education Program (DEP), Outpatient Rehabilitation Program and the future of the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital (SMGH).
SMGH is very challenged from a physical space perspective. This has become an even more pressing issue with the need to find over 3,300 square feet to accommodate our new MRI Suite, which has construction starting mid-April. Thus, we need to ensure we are thoughtfully utilizing the existing and useable space currently available at the hospital for the right services that are required. For our programs and services that don’t need to be inside hospital walls, it has opened the door to new partnerships and the opportunity to bring our services to new spaces out in our community.
After careful consideration, engagement and planning, the following changes will be coming related to our programs and services:
- Diabetes Education Program (DEP): The Strathroy site of the DEP will transition from its current location within the hospital’s Ambulatory Care location to leased space at the Strathroy Medical Clinic (SMC) building, situated above Shoppers Drug Mart at 74 Front St E. This new location will open to patients on April 9, 2024. The existing space in Ambulatory Care is being assessed and will be re-assigned to support pressing patient care space needs within the hospital.
- Outpatient Rehabilitation Program: Relocate the SMGH Outpatient Rehabilitation Program (including Sole Science and Rapid Access Clinic) from their current location on the 1st floor of the hospital to leased space at the Shops on Sydenham on 51 Front St E. This new location will open to patients on April 1, 2024. The existing Rehab space on the 1st floor of the hospital will be utilized for the new MRI Suite. Rehabilitation services for our patients within the hospital will remain unchanged.
Leasing space in our community is the hospital’s most fiscally responsible option at this time, considering the renovation costs to re-create new space within the hospital for these programs and services would cost SMGH millions.
In addition to supporting the space needs at the hospital, we are confident that these moves will bring benefits to our patients, our programs, and the broader community we serve. By situating the Diabetes Education and Outpatient Rehabilitation programs in the community, and closer to where our patients live and work, we are reinforcing our commitment to being a visible and community-centric organization.
The benefits of this move also include:
- Enhanced Access for Patients: The new locations at Strathroy Medical Clinic and Shops on Sydenham are both centrally located and easily accessible. This move will allow our patients to access services in a more convenient and patient-friendly setting.
- Dedicated and Updated Facilities: Both the Strathroy Medical Clinic and the Shops on Sydenham offer updated, modern, dedicated and tailored facilities. This environment will enable our team to provide care in spaces designed for their current and future needs.
- Expanded Services: With the relocation, we allow for the ability to potentially expand our services and programs in the future. This will allow us to better meet the needs of our community and enhance our capacity to provide care.
We want to take this opportunity to say thank you to our MHA team who were engaged and helped make this significant undertaking a reality. We also want to thank Jamie & Sue Looman of Shops on Sydenham, and Oliver Xing, Steven Wong and Susan Lewis of the Strathroy Medical Clinic for their support and partnership in making this possible.
Thank you for your continued trust in the MHA for your healthcare needs, and we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care to our community in these new locations, in your community.
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| For local inquiries, please contact: Stacey Griffin Executive Assistant to the CEO, Coordinator of Board Affairs Stacey.griffin@mha.tvh.ca (519) 245-5295 ext: 5593 www.mhalliance.on.ca About MHA: The Middlesex Hospital Alliance (MHA) is comprised of two fully accredited partner sites: Four Counties Health Services and Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital. A progressive, team-oriented and technologically adept organization of excellence, the MHA is creating a more integrated and seamless approach to treatment by embracing and seeking out partnerships, through collaboration and investing in people. This coordinated approach helps to ensure that a high level of service is provided, while reducing costs and continually enhancing quality. |