NGH to strengthen patient care with modernized Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) Suites

Date issued: Monday, December 15, 2025

(Simcoe, ON) – Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) is enhancing surgical care and strengthening the patient experience with a multi-million-dollar project to rebuild two operating rooms into modern Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) suites. The upgrades will create safer environments for patients and staff, introduce advanced technology, reduce wait times, and improve access to modern surgical care for people across Norfolk County.

The project is expected to be complete by spring 2026.

NGH’s surgical suites were first built in 1964. Since that time, surgeons and nurses have continued to provide excellent care in spaces that are now far past their intended lifespan. Modernizing these rooms is essential to meeting today’s standards for safety and infection control and ensuring patients continue to receive high-quality care close to home.

When the work is complete, NGH will have four functional operating rooms instead of three. This expansion will help improve the patient experience by reducing wait times, increasing flexibility, and supporting the growth of new surgical services so more people can receive care close to home. It will also support the recruitment and retention of physicians who want to work in a modern and well-equipped environment.

More than 4,200 surgical procedures were completed at NGH last year. The upgraded suites will include advanced 4K video laparoscopic technology that gives surgeons clearer views and greater precision. Minimally invasive procedures use small cameras and specialized instruments to limit tissue damage. For patients, this often means less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Some procedures that once required an inpatient stay will now be able to be performed as day surgeries.

The new suites will also support improved communication with families during surgery. This feature will allow loved ones to receive real-time updates throughout the procedure, helping reduce stress and keep families connected to their care.

Construction will take place in phases so that surgeries continue without interruption. Strict infection control measures will be used to manage dust, noise, and construction activity. Lighting, ventilation, and equipment will all be modernized, creating safe and efficient surgical spaces that support staff and improve patient care.

This project is being funded through a combination of hospital investment and community support. There is no direct Ministry of Health funding for this work. The design of the new suites reflects direct input from NGH physicians and surgical teams to ensure the final spaces meet the real needs of both staff and patients.

Norfolk County Council voted in 2016 to commit $5 million to NGH for capital projects. Council has now approved $3 million in funding for this project as part of that planned commitment. This support reflects the County’s longstanding role in strengthening local health care and ensures residents benefit from modern surgical spaces for many years to come.

“This project marks a significant step forward for Norfolk General Hospital,” says Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO of NGH and NHNH. “On behalf of Norfolk General, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Norfolk County Council and the NGH Foundation for their continued support and partnership. Their commitment recognizes the vital role NGH plays in the health and well-being of our community. I also want to thank our physicians and surgical teams for their leadership and input. These new suites will better support their work and help patients and families across Norfolk County receive high-quality care close to home.”

“In 2016, Norfolk County Council of the day decided to step in where Provincial funding stops – capital improvements to our hospital,” said Norfolk County Mayor, Amy Martin. “Current Council has held true to that commitment. This funding reflects Council’s strong dedication to building a healthier future for our community. We’re proud to play a role in making these improvements possible, because every resident deserves access to safe, modern care close to home. This project is an investment in people, families, and the strength of our community for years to come.”

The NGH Foundation is contributing $1 million toward the project through the Building a Better Hospital Campaign. Community donations are helping make it possible for NGH to invest in modern spaces, new technology, and the future of local health care.

“The NGH Foundation is excited and proud to support this essential project in partnership with Norfolk County and its residents,” said Sarah Muntz-Flowerday Interim Executive Director NGH Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our donors, whose steadfast commitment and confidence in our hospital has enabled us to provide them and their loved ones with healthcare services that promote patient safety, well-being and advanced technology through their generous donations to our Building a Better Hospital Campaign.”

NGH will continue to share updates with the community as work progresses.

Media Contact:

Aaron Gautreau
Director of Communications and Public Relations at NGH
W: 519-426-0130 ext. 2454