Hospital Renaming: West Niagara Memorial Hospital

Why is a new name for the hospital being proposed? What's wrong with the current name?

After discussing the matter, the Mayors of Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln, as well as the regional chair of Niagara, submitted a request to consider a proposed name change to West Niagara Memorial Hospital.

The redevelopment of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH) facility makes for an opportune time to explore the idea of this name change.

The proposed name aims to better represent the broader community the hospital serves and the geographical location of the hospital. Names not only identify, but they also provide historical connections and symbolize the communities in which they belong.

Since the creation of the Niagara Region in 1970, the hospital is no longer located in what was formerly known as “West Lincoln County”.

What is the meaning of the word "Memorial" as part of the hospital name, and why is it part of the proposed new name?

Much thought has been given to keeping “memorial” as part of the hospital name, as the word retains part of its history. The word “Memorial” was included in the original name of the hospital – West Lincoln Memorial Hospital – to pay homage to those who served in the two World Wars at the time the hospital was founded in 1946. The proposed new name – West Niagara Memorial Hospital – continues to uphold this recognition.

For more information about the history of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, visit the Grimsby Historical Society.

What is the criteria for a name change? How is it determined and how is the decision made?

The renaming of a hospital in Ontario must follow the Ministry of Health’s hospital renaming directive. Part of this directive outlines the need for consultation with interested parties and the community regarding the adoption of a new name for the hospital. Once interested parties and public consultation has concluded, the partnering organizations will review the feedback. Based on public engagement and feedback, Hamilton Health Sciences’ (HHS) management will bring a recommendation to its Board of Directors for a decision on the matter. This is the regular procedure in Ontario for a hospital name change.

Can the hospital be named in recognition of a donor? How?

Yes. The hospital can be named after a donor based on the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation’s and HHS donor recognition policy, which states the hospital can be renamed with a donation exceeding $20M.

How did the 3 Mayors come up with the name West Niagara Memorial Hospital as the new name?

The proposed name change was a thoughtful balance between paying homage to history, by retaining the word “memorial” and by better reflecting the hospital’s current geographical location. The current name, including the reference to “West Lincoln,” ties to history; however, the thought was that geography will often change, and today, many refer to our areas and the area of service as “West Niagara” – again, the thought was this proposed geographical name now, more so represents the communities which it predominantly serves, with patients hailing from the three communities and the surrounding area.

Who will make the final decision on the renaming of the hospital?

HHS’ management team will bring a recommendation to its Board of Directors based on the results of public engagement.

When will a decision on the name be made?

Public engagement will continue into spring 2024, concluding in May, with a final decision by HHS Board of Directors in late May at the earliest.

Why is the hospital spending money to re-brand? Aren’t the costs better dedicated towards services?

There are no additional costs involved with changing the name, as signage and wayfinding costs are already budgeted in the project’s redevelopment plan – this is standard practice. The hospital will be acquiring new signage both internally and externally, regardless of the outcome of the renaming request.

While a potential name change would create no impact on the quality or extent of services planned for the new hospital, the new facility will be approximately 80 per cent larger than the existing facility and will enhance patient capacity, comfort, and care.

Why have municipal tax dollars been dedicated to the hospital redevelopment?

Provincial policy determines the funding of new hospitals and capital building projects. New hospitals are not built without community and municipal donations. Known as the “local share,” donations from benevolent individuals, groups, and businesses are key. These fundraising efforts also include municipalities. A community’s required local share is to pay 10% of capital construction costs and 100% of the cost of equipment, furniture, fixtures, and parking lot infrastructure. In terms of overall cost, this translates to 70% provincial, 30% local (individuals, groups, businesses, and municipalities).

Service delivery - what services does this hospital offer?

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH) provides both inpatient services and outpatient services, and as a site of Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS), the hospital serves as a point of access to one of the largest health systems in Canada for patients requiring more specialized care.

The new modernized facility will be home to the hospital’s signature programs, including but not limited to, an emergency department, diagnostic imaging, complex continuing care, acute inpatient care, maternal and newborn, day surgery and endoscopy, and ambulatory care.

What are some of the environmental features planned for the new hospital?

The new hospital will contain the following environmental/green features:

• The building will achieve LEED silver certification
• Total Energy Use Intensity (TEUI): 1.25 GJ/m2/year
• Greenhouse Gas Intensity (GHGI): 36 kg eCO2/m2/year
• High performance envelope with full electrochromic windows for all-vison panels in the curtain wall, providing efficiencies in the solar heat gain
• Water cooled heat recovery chiller for first stage of cooling
• Rooftop solar PV system providing 5% of the total building energy load
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Planting of more than 115 net new trees on site