Application for new Woodingford site would bring needed long-term care beds to Oxford under a “campus of care” model in Ingersoll

 JOINT STATEMENT FROM OXFORD COUNTY, ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL, AND TOWN OF INGERSOLL

Yesterday, Oxford County Council unanimously endorsed submitting an application for provincial funding to build a new, minimum 160-bed long-term care home in Ingersoll. This is a tremendous opportunity for our community that draws on the strengths of Woodingford Lodge, Alexandra Hospital and the Town of Ingersoll.

If approved, this project would bring much-needed long-term care beds to the County, specifically Ingersoll, which has the lowest number of beds among the Oxford communities providing long-term care. The project would leverage the resources and staff expertise of Alexandra Hospital and the existing 34-bed Woodingford facility in Ingersoll under a “campus of care” model, providing exemplary service to seniors and others and potentially creating more than 200 jobs in our community.

The funding support from the Government of Ontario, which comes as part of its commitment to adding 30,000 new long-term care beds by 2028, offers a timely opportunity. New long-term care beds are a clear benefit to residents who need long-term care, but this project also benefits the partners. The campus of care model, with its emphasis on partnership, collaboration and innovation, will further demonstrate and support health care excellence in Oxford.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown vulnerabilities in the care of seniors and those with chronic illness or disability living in long-term care. Woodingford’s performance during these recent years show the difference in its approach. We also know that 70% of the 1,500 people waiting for a bed in Oxford want that bed to be at Woodingford Lodge. The need is there and, in working together, we have the capability and opportunity to address that need.

We look forward to sharing further news with the community.

Marcus Ryan, Warden, Oxford County
Nadia Facca, President, Alexandra Hospital / Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital 
Mayor Brian Petrie, Town of Ingersoll

Read the Oxford County Council Report 
Watch the video recording of County Council discussion (Starting at 1:28:28)

About Oxford County

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 130,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community, and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that serves as a springboard for some of the sustainable industries that are steadily diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.

About Alexandra Hospital

Alexandra Hospital, Ingersoll (AHI) is a fully accredited 26-bed hospital serving Ingersoll and the surrounding areas since 1909.  We are committed to supporting the health of our communities with excellent patient care and accessible specialized services close to home. Our services include 24/7 Emergency Department, Acute Care, Complex Continuing Care, Diagnostic Services, Occupational and Physiotherapy Services, Ambulatory Clinics, Diabetes Education Program as well as the Oxford County Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.  We take great pride in providing the very best care to the communities we serve, and promoting health and wellness through collaboration with our health care partners. 

About Town of Ingersoll

Located in the heartland of Ontario’s southwest, in beautiful Oxford County, the Town of Ingersoll offers its visitors a unique mixture of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of history and nature.

From a small farming community on the banks of the historic Thames River to a warm and vibrant town of over 12,000 people, Ingersoll is a community rich in history and culture. From cultural venues, such as museums, theatres, and art galleries, to outdoor adventures, such as hiking, cycling, fishing and snowmobiling, you’ll find what you are looking for in Ingersoll.

Located within easy driving distance of London and Woodstock, Ingersoll is the perfect destination for both day-trippers and vacationers alike. So come for the day, come for the night or come for the week and discover what Ingersoll has to offer you.