In Ajax, Grandview Kids and the Lakeridge Health Foundation announced a commitment to equip a new outpatient procedure room at the Jerry Coughlan Building, Grandview Kids’ new headquarters. The Lakeridge Health Foundation has committed to raising $1 million to outfit the suite, which aims to expand access to minor medical procedures for children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs across Durham Region.
The specialized suite will be outfitted with items ranging from small procedural tools to high-cost equipment such as an anesthesia gas machine, cardiac monitors and other surgical supports. Families in the region have historically had to travel to Toronto (for example, SickKids) or compete for limited hospital operating-room slots for routine exams such as blood work, injections, or ear and nose care. With on-site support from Lakeridge Health anesthesiologists and surgical nurses, access is expected to increase roughly fourfold, the partners say.
“The new partnership will increase access to medical care at Grandview Kids by 4x, impacting thousands of children and youth in the community,” said Dr. Carolyn Hunt, Medical Director at Grandview Kids, in a Grandview Kids press release. Yves Gadler, CEO of the Lakeridge Health Foundation, noted the fundraising will cover specialized equipment costs. Two local supporters, Bryan Yetman and Colin O’Regan, have launched the campaign by offering to match up to $50,000 in community donations.
The Jerry Coughlan Building officially opened on November 14, 2024. It replaces older Grandview Kids sites that were designed for about 400 children but were serving more than 6,000. Named after philanthropist Jerry Coughlan, who donated $5 million toward the new centre, the outpatient procedure room has been described by partners as the first specialized suite in Canada located within a Children’s Treatment Centre that will use hospital-staffed sedation.
Partners and families say the initiative is expected to reduce many of the challenges families face — including difficulty accessing sedation-supported care and, in some cases, being turned away at other hospitals — by providing procedures in a sensory-friendly, familiar setting close to home.
The announcement did not specify a firm start date for procedures; officials say the service will begin once the room is fully outfitted and operational processes with Lakeridge Health are in place. The project aligns with Lakeridge Health’s “One System. Best Health.” vision and aims to deliver faster, more accessible and compassionate care for children and youth across Durham Region.
