$266.2 million invested to support critical infrastructure upgrades at hospitals across the province
NEWS
LAMBTON-KENT-MIDDLESEX — The Ontario government is investing $6.4 million to complete upgrades and repairs at the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital and Four Counties Health Services, creating a safer, more comfortable space for people and their families to connect to care and services, close to home. This funding is part of Ontario’s broader investment of over $266 million through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF) to support infrastructure upgrades, maintenance and repairs at 126 hospitals across the province.
The allocations are as follows:
- Four Counties Health Services receiving $821,789 to continue upgrades to the hospital’s fire panel and paging system, building on work that began in 2025-26.
- Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital receiving $5,627,572 to support capital infrastructure improvements that will enhance the hospital environment for patients, families and staff.
“Our government is investing in the long-term future of health care in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex by ensuring our local hospitals have the infrastructure they need to continue delivering exceptional care. This $6.4 million investment will support important upgrades at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital and Four Counties Health Services, helping maintain safe, modern facilities for patients, families and the dedicated health-care professionals who serve our communities every day.” Said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
The Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund enables health-care system partners to address their urgent infrastructure needs including upgrading or replacing roofs, windows, security systems, fire alarms and emergency generators. Since 2024, the Ontario government has increased funding through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund by10% each year, allowing even more hospitals to complete upgrades and repairs in a timely manner.
“Our government is making historic investments to protect Ontario’s health-care system, ensuring that more people in Newbury can connect to the care they need, where and when they need it,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment will enable Four Counties Health Services to address priority infrastructure needs so patients and their families can continue to access vital services and care in their community.”
“This investment allows us to continue improving the spaces where care is delivered while ensuring our facilities remain safe, reliable and ready to meet the needs of our communities,” said Julie McBrien, MHA President & CEO. “We appreciate the Province’s continued commitment to renewing rural hospital infrastructure and supporting exceptional care close to home.”
Over the next 10 years, Ontario is investing approximately $64 billion in major health infrastructure. This is part of the government’s plan to get shovels in the ground on more than 50 major hospital projects across the province, which will deliver approximately 3,000 new hospital beds to enhance access to quality care and build a connected, people-first health-care system.
Through Your Health: A Plan For Connected and Convenient Care, Ontario is expanding and modernizing hospitals and building new health-care facilities, making it faster and easier for people of all ages to connect to the high-quality care they need, where and when they need it.
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QUICK FACTS
- Four Counties Health Services (FCHS) is a primary care facility providing emergency care, diagnostic services, and rehabilitation. Serving approximately 23,000 residents, it is located in the village of Newbury at the intersection of Chatham Kent, Middlesex, Lambton, and Elgin Counties.
- Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital (SMGH) serves a population of approximately 35,000 residents as a full service family-centered community hospital operating 54 acute care beds along with a comprehensive range of diagnostic and outpatient services. Medical staffing includes a number of active local family physicians, internists, surgeons and specialists. Total staffing for the hospital including full-time and part-time staff is approximately 300.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario
- Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care
MEDIA CONTACT
Kara Carther
Communications Coordinator
Office of MPP Steve Pinsonneault
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex