The Town of Whitby last week launched the next step in its advocacy to bring a new hospital to Durham Region.
January 2024 marked two years since Lakeridge Health’s independent panel of experts announced land in Whitby as the preferred site for a new Durham hospital to be located, pointed out town Mayor Elizabeth Roy.
“For two years, we have waited patiently for the province to approve a $3 million capital planning grant for Lakeridge Health and complete the land disposition process for the hospital site. These are the only roadblocks standing in the way of moving this hospital forward,” she said.
Mayor Roy pointed out that Durham is one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, and the region’s current hospital system “can’t keep up with demand — what will happen when Durham’s population climbs to over one million people?”
It is currently estimated at 745,000.
“Our residents face overwhelming waits in the emergency department or to be admitted to the hospital. When seconds count, Toronto and Kingston are the only options for Durham residents who need trauma care,” the mayor pointed out.
“We need more care closer to home, and we can’t wait any longer. That’s why I’m asking residents to speak out and join our advocacy efforts. Go to whitby.ca/NewHospital to send a message to the province about why healthcare close to home and a new hospital in Durham, matter to you,” the mayor urged.
She said all messages will be emailed directly to the premier to highlight why this hospital matters – now.