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New OTMH is triple the size of the current facility continued from p.1 The new hospital will offer a full range of health services, including maternal and childcare, critical care, emergency care, surgery, complex continuing care, rehabilitation, diagnostics, ambulatory care and a variety of support services. The facility also boasts enhanced patient privacy and infection-prevention measures, including 80 per cent single-patient rooms. "I know that the first thing that typically comes to mind when you hear something described as state-of-the-art is that it must feature the latest technology and that would certainly be true of the new Oakville hospital," said Wynne. "You've seen that on the tour. You've seen the kind of technology that is not technology-fortechnology's sake. It is technology that will improve people's care, improve people's stay and improve people's lives and will help families to have a better experience with their loved ones." Wynne said the hospital is also state-of-the-art in that improving the patient experience will be woven into every aspect of the facility's day-today operations. She said this ranges from giving patients control over their room's lighting and temperature to using silent wireless messaging so overhead pagers do not disturb a patient's sleep and equipping patient rooms with a pull out couch so loved ones can spend the night in some kind of comfort. "I'm very proud we've been able to invest more than $2.2 billion and I don't see it as spending that money. It is an investment in the future of the community and an investment in the people who will pass through this place," said Wynne. "By investing in this vital infrastructure and in the health care system it supports, we're ensuring people in communities all across Ontario have access to the high-quality health care services they deserve." Those present also heard from Halton Healthcare Services (HHS) President and CEO Denise Hardenne, who called the ribbon cutting a very happy occasion and a momentous day, which is the culmination of 10 years of planning and four years of construction. She emphasized the project was brought in on time and on budget and noted in just 25 days and 12 hours, the facility would open its doors to patients. A small army of people brought about this "mammoth undertaking," said Hardenne. She credited former HHS President and CEO John Oliver and the HHS board for getting the vision started and driving it forward, the Province of Ontario for supplying the land and the funds to build, the Town of Oakville for committing to contribute a local share of $130 million and many others. The Oakville Hospital Foundation was also acknowledged for their success in raising $65 million in donations to cover the opening day equipment needs of the new Oakville hospital. "I'm sure you will all agree, what an outcome we have achieved," said Hardenne. "It's an amazing facility." Ontario Labour Minister and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn said the ribbon-cutting event represented a great day, which for him is only matched by the day back in 2005 when the Ontario government committed to building a new hospital in Oakville. "You think, in just a few weeks, patients will be in here. Patients will be transferred over here and this will start to become one of those living buildings that is going to do so much," said Flynn. "I am really pleased the Ontario government had the foresight to invest more than $2 billion. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the largest investment by any level of government into any project in this community ever. It was invested simply to meet the health care needs of our growing community." Flynn took a moment to acknowledge all who contributed to the hospital project, but said the undertaking would not have been possible without the support of the community including the residents and businesses who made donations and those who worked so hard to get those donations. Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Eric Hoskins said the new hospital would make a real and tangible difference in the lives of the people of Oakville and the surrounding area. He said it would help put patients first by providing better access to high-quality health care services in a modern facility. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said Town council committed to donating $130 million towards the local share portion of the new hospital cost because they believed access to high quality health care was essential. "We believed in this hospital. We believed in the lives it would save. We believed in the benefits this hospital would bring. New jobs, new investment," said Burton. "These shared beliefs drove the Province, the hospital and the Town to organize, plan and ensure this hospital was built." Burton said these beliefs were not misplaced, noting the new hospital would include the two MRIs and three CT scanners the late Ward 6 Councillor Max Khan insisted on for his support during the important vote on whether to make the $130-million contribution five years ago. The mayor emphasized the local share contribution was made without the need to raise property taxes or local electric bills. Burton said he was especially proud of the community, noting around 28,000 Oakville residents donated to the Oakville Hospital Foundation campaign, which helped make the new hospital a reality. 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