The time has come for Runnymede to reach for a new level - an unprecedented benchmark in healthcare for the chronically ill. Shedding the limitations of its current physical structure, Runnymede is constructing a recently approved new hospital that will allow it to spread its wings and open its doors to more families in need of assistance. Breaking new ground for chronic healthcare in Ontario, Runnymede, the Ontario Government, and caring organizations, corporations and individuals are dedicating themselves to a facility that, in most cases, will be the final home for chronically ill adults.

This new, modern hospital has been designed with input and
collaboration at every level. It will be constructed to provide optimal space and greater privacy, and allow for the expansion of specialized services and programs. Perhaps most importantly, it will be a place where more patients can thrive and be treated with the same high standard of care Runnymede has delivered over the past 60 years.

Gracing the new modern hospital will be a comfortable home-like setting including spacious bedrooms, easily accessible washrooms, large therapy rooms, an auditorium, chapel, library and music room, an atrium and therapeutic gardens. All of this will be built within beautifully landscaped grounds. The new Runnymede will also feature Day Hospital Services for patients who do not require permanent admission as well as more space to train staff and volunteers.

Clinical and medical services will also be greatly enhanced. A full range of therapeutic services will be provided to each and every patient including: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, communication and swallowing therapy, respiratory therapy, audiology, customized dietary programs, activation and recreation activities, social services and around the clock professional nursing and medical care.

On a global scale, Runnymede Healthcare Centre will play a vital role in Ontario's healthcare challenges. The shortage of chronic care beds in Ontario has resulted in patients occupying emergency room and acute care hospital beds at a much greater cost. This means that children and adults requiring acute care and emergency treatment are often denied timely access to urgent medical services because there are not enough beds available to them. Runnymede can provide the treatment and care needed by individuals suffering from chronic illnesses at less than a third of the daily cost of care in a general hospital.

Supporting the construction of Runnymede's new facility is supporting a healthcare model that is both efficient and effective in meeting the needs of adults with serious long-term and often end stage illnesses.

The only barrier to making the new Runnymede a reality is $4 million. These funds will have to be raised from individuals, corporations and organizations in order to meet the $18 million capital expenses not covered by provincial funding. As ground is being broken soon, time is of the essence. In comparison to the numerous multimillion-dollar capital campaigns being staged across Ontario, the request for support from Runnymede is modest. Yet, these funds will accomplish so much while paving the way for a new standard in chronic care.

Our patients have made important contributions to family, community and society. But they are now suffering from a grave illness that threatens to cut their life short. They deserve the specialized care and treatment that will slow down their decline in health. They deserve to live the remainder of their life in happiness, comfort and dignity. We have been the guardian of this responsibility for over 60 years.