Whitby’s Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre is set to undergo a major expansion and renovation that will nearly double its capacity, allowing it to serve 3,800 patients annually instead of its current 2,000. This project is part of a larger initiative by the Ontario government, which is investing $60 billion in over 50 major hospital projects across the province over the next 10 years.
The expansion of the Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre will provide much-needed support for the increasing number of people in Durham Region living with diabetes. With this expansion, the centre will be able to accommodate more patients and provide enhanced services, including diabetes education, treatment, and management. The project will help address both medical and educational needs, which are critical in preventing diabetes-related complications.
Marlene Grass, the founder of the Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre, and Lorrie Hagen, the executive director, have expressed their enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the community. The centre’s expansion will not only increase its physical space but also enhance its programming, offering more specialized services for those with diabetes.
Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, welcomed the announcement and emphasized the importance of making investments in Ontario’s health-care system. “Our government is making historic investments to protect Ontario’s health-care system and build a connected, people-first health-care system,” she said. “Through this investment, Ontarians in Durham Region will benefit from increased access to diabetes education and care, reducing the risk of related health complications and relieving pressure on the broader health-care system.”
The province’s funding is part of a wider strategy to improve health-care infrastructure in Ontario, especially for areas such as diabetes care, which is growing in importance as the population ages and health needs become more complex. The expansion will also reduce strain on surrounding hospitals and healthcare facilities, allowing for better, more specialized care for those affected by diabetes.
The Ministry of Health is currently working with the Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre to finalize plans for the expansion. This includes determining programming, space needs, and other operational requirements. After these steps are completed, the project will move into the tendering phase, with a construction schedule to be confirmed.
The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre’s expansion is expected to be a major milestone for healthcare in Durham Region, ensuring that the growing number of individuals living with diabetes receive the care and support they need.
