The future is bright: Construction on MGH’s new Patient Care Centre sees impressive progress

The construction of Michael Garron Hospital’s (MGH) eight-storey Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre has advanced significantly since ground was broken on the site more than two years ago.

In August, the final structural beam, which was signed by members of MGH’s workforce and the East Toronto community, was lifted into place.

This was an important milestone because it marked the completion of the building’s steel structure and gives the hospital the green light to move forward with the project’s interior work.

Here’s what else has progressed in the $500-million redevelopment project, the largest transformation in MGH’s history and one that will forever change the organization and the care it provides to the East Toronto community.

Framing and drywall installation has begun, including in the second-floor chest, kidney and cardiac clinics.

These outpatient areas are collocated so patients with multiple chronic illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and diabetes — diseases that affect East Toronto residents more than the city average — will be able to easily navigate multiple appointments.

The exam rooms’ co-locations also allow them to be utilized as efficiently as possible by different clinicians in various specialties.

Key mechanical and electrical systems have been put in place. These include six air handler units which regulate and ensure proper air circulation throughout the Centre.

The new Coxwell Avenue lobby — note the space-defining pillars — is starting to take shape. The functional gathering area features natural stone, brick and wood to mirror the current lobby’s Art Deco design. In addition, it will incorporate historic restored items such as the corner stones from MGH’s existing buildings being demolished.

The lobby has access to a large auditorium and resource room, which will accommodate community programming. It also houses a feature staircase that leads to the second-floor waiting area and outpatient clinics.

MGH’s child and youth services, spiritual and religious care and administrative support services for areas like Health Records and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) will also be situated on the second floor. In addition, a new volunteer services lounge designed with lockers, seating and a kitchenette will be introduced here.

The Centre’s 215 acute-care inpatient rooms — 80 per cent of which are single-patient rooms with private washrooms — are coming together. These spaces are designed with accessibility in mind and ample natural light and seating for guests.

The outdoor terraces feature Indigenous plantings, comfortable seating and space for MGH staff, physicians and patients to recharge. One of the terraces serves the Centre’s modernized mental health units, which have 46 adult-care beds and six for children and youth. These areas offer home-like environments with bright, private rooms and shared spaces for meals and healing.

Other highlights of MGH’s redevelopment project include a multi-faith space and an All Nations’ Room; four levels of underground parking; and a revitalized diagnostic imaging centre, which will be home to a new MRI and CT scanner that allows for faster, more precise diagnosis of a wide range of conditions.

The Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre is expected to open its doors to the community in 2022.

Renovations to existing spaces, including the maternal newborn and child clinics, food and retail services and child and youth outpatient mental-health programs, will also begin at this time.