New Mattawa General Hospital opens its doors

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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MATTAWA - The Town of Mattawa held a milestone event Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of the new Mattawa General Hospital. After waiting over four decades the community finally saw the new Mattawa General Hospital open its doors. Hon. Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing was joined by Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and many local municipal officials to celebrate the occasion.

"It’s yet another exciting day for healthcare in our region,” said MPP Smith. ‘’The new Mattawa General Hospital is truly a great community achievement and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to work closely with so many committed members of the community to see this project finally become a reality’’.

“The investment in the Mattawa General Hospital is all about Ontarians receiving the best quality health care in their local communities,” said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “The entire community should be very proud of their efforts to see the new hospital finally built.”

“This hospital will mean Mattawa-area residents get the care they need, when they need it, closer to home,” said David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “The new Mattawa General Hospital is a great example of the McGuinty government’s commitment to lower wait times and improve access to quality family health care for every Ontarian.”

The new $20 million state-of-the-art facility replaces the existing, outdated structure that was put in place temporarily in 1966. The new 37,000 square foot hospital will continue to serve a population of approximately 5,500 residents with 19 acute and chronic care beds as well as round the clock emergency services.

“The Board of Directors wishes to acknowledge the consistent support of our MPP Monique Smith throughout the entire project, from her advocacy in the project approval, to her ongoing collaboration throughout the construction. Her tireless efforts have been instrumental in the completion of the Mattawa Hospital. It is also a clear indication of the Liberal government’s commitment to see northern, rural healthcare delivered as close to home as possible,” said Laura Pierce, Chairperson for the Mattawa General Hospital.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in this worthy project as ours and generations to come will benefit from the health services this new 'state of the art' facility will provide.” said Dean Backer, Mayor of Mattawa. “I want to thank Monique Smith for her dedication to this project and ensuring its success.”

The MGH was first established in 1878 by the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa and after 24 years of service to the community, was rebuilt in 1902. A temporary structure was constructed in 1967 after a fire destroyed much of the hospital in 1966. The MGH was incorporated in 1997 as a non-profit, Catholic, bilingual, remote/rural primary care facility.

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