SUDBURY — The Ontario government is providing funding to support the relocation of Sudbury's Health Sciences North Children's Treatment Centre and Infant and Child Development Services. The move from Ramsey Lake Health Centre to Sudbury's Southridge Mall provides a dedicated space for rehabilitation services to support children and youth experiencing challenges with their motor skills, mobility and communication development.
"Our government is committed to the well-being of children and youth and their families," said Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. "This investment will support Northern Ontario families and children with special needs by addressing the unique challenges they face. The new custom-built site will provide a larger space for therapy and activity while continuing to offer the range of vital services and programs needed to support a child's ability to participate as fully as possible at home, in school and in the community."
The Sudbury Southridge Mall site will house several programs and rehabilitation services in one place. The centre will continue to provide community-based and school-based rehabilitation services to support children and youth. The new site was unanimously recommended by Health Sciences North's Transition Planning Steering Committee. The committee includes parent advisory members, school board representatives and other community partners.
"We are thankful for the province's support and work on this important project," said Dominic Giroux, President and CEO of Health Sciences North. "This relocation is the result of extensive consultations with families, staff and partners in our community. Our planning continues to prioritize a smooth transition with minimal service disruption and we look forward to welcoming children and families at the new site."
Health Sciences North will transform the former space to add up to 52 new beds, benefitting the community and supporting the government's plan to increase hospital capacity. It will also address hospital overcrowding and meet the future health care needs of residents of Northeastern Ontario.