Sarnia-Lambton’s 150-bed field hospital, initially set up two months ago for an overflow of potential COVID-19 patients, has been dismantled this week.
A joint effort between Bluewater Health, the City of Sarnia and Lambton College, the hospital was never used but was readied quickly through the support of dozens of community partners. The non-clinical equipment for the field hospital is the property of the city and is being stored for any future pandemic use.
“The field hospital that we would have operated out of the College was luckily never needed,” commented Bluewater Health President and CEO, Mike Lapaine. “The rallying of our community and our partners to support the continuance of safe healthcare was nothing short of amazing. We are so lucky to live in Sarnia-Lambton where both the college, and the city, were quick to come to assist us with setting up a field hospital. This is a unique community and we are very thankful.”
Sarnia’s Emergency Manager Ron Realesmith says the city of Sarnia has incredible community partners who came together in a time of need.
“Through their generosity of time, talent and financial contributions, our community was presented with a need and we collaboratively provided a solution in less than a week. The City of Sarnia was honoured to play our part for the community and we now have a mobile field hospital for years to come.”
Judith Morris, President & CEO of Lambton College sent her gratitude to the local community.
“This is a good news moment for our community. I want to express my sincere thanks to those who volunteered their time and skills to prepare this centre for use, and I’m grateful that it never had to be utilized. We are so incredibly proud to be a part of a community that continues to support one another. We remain committed to doing our part to help Sarnia-Lambton win the battle against COVID-19.”
