Salvation Army Launches Phase I of "Grace in Motion" Renovation Effort at Toronto Grace Health Centre

Complex Continuing Care, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care Health Centre to Undergo Renovations to Improve Quality of Care

TORONTO, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre makes a major step in the "Grace in Motion" Infrastructure Renewal Project as it commences the temporary move of all patients and staff to the University Health Network's Hillcrest site.  The Infrastructure Renewal Project is the extensive renovation of its facility at 650 Church Street to upgrade all systems in the hospital so that patients continue to receive the health care they require.  The move of patients will occur on March 23.

"The safety and health of our patients will always be our number one priority and we are making all efforts to ensure they will be comfortable and receive the same level of care at Hillcrest while we make much needed renovations to the Toronto Grace," said Marilyn Rook, President and CEO of The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre. "The renovations being made to the Toronto Grace will allow us to better serve the patients that rely on our services and come through our doors every day."

The renovations to the Toronto Grace Health Centre will build upon The Salvation Army's commitment to provide transformational and compassionate care to individuals in need of complex continuing care, rehabilitation and palliative care services. Renovations to the Toronto Grace Health Centre will modernize the 60-year-old building's infrastructure and improve the ability of staff to provide specialized care. Renovations include an update to heating and air-conditioning systems, fire and life safety and other critical systems. The renovations to both the Toronto Grace and Hillcrest are being made possible by funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and The Salvation Army.

The Toronto Grace Patient Care Management team has developed a patient relocation plan for the designation of patients to the appropriate care unit and patient room at Hillcrest.  Patient Care Coordinators are working directly with each patient and their family members to ensure a smooth transition to Hillcrest.

"We understand that the move will be challenging for some patients, but we are committed to our longer term goal of a renewed and updated Toronto Grace Health Centre," said Rook. "We are excited for this period of renewal, which will allow Toronto Grace to continue to provide quality care for marginalized individuals within our community."

The relocation to Hillcrest will be facilitated by Health Care Relocations and Voyageur Transportation Services.  During the 24-month renovation process all current Toronto Grace Health Centre staff will continue to provide healthcare services at Hillcrest.

About Toronto Grace Health Centre
The Toronto Grace is a 119-bed hospital located in the heart of downtown Toronto and is owned and operated by The Salvation Army.  The Toronto Grace welcomes patients of all religious and ethnic backgrounds.  In addition to our Spiritual Care staff, we work closely with clergy of all religions to provide spiritual support for their members. The Toronto Grace provides medically complex and specialized care and services to those individuals who require Complex Continuing Care, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care. The care and services provided at the Toronto Grace help facilitate the patient flow through the health care system and ensures recovery to those individuals who may return to their homes or to Long Term Care (LTC) facilities in their communities.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 125 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

SOURCE: THE SALVATION ARMY

Marilyn Rook
President & CEO
Toronto Grace Health Centre
416-925-1879
[email protected] 

John McAlister
National Director of Marketing and Communications
The Salvation Army
416-467-3186
[email protected]
www.SalvationArmy.ca