The Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) has long recognized the importance of redeveloping its hospital facilities to provide modern, state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure for patients, families, and staff.
In June 2026, the realization of a new hospital coming to Brantford-Brant took a giant leap forward as BCHS officially submitted its Stage 1.3 Functional Program to the Ministry of Health.
The Functional Program is a detailed planning document that describes future hospital services and programs, activity volumes, staffing levels, new technologies, and space requirements.
“This is a significant project milestone and represents the first time the Ministry of Health gets to have a line of sight as to what the BCHS New Hospital Project will encompass,” says Bonnie Camm, BCHS President and CEO.
Developing the Stage 1.3 Functional Program involved a tremendous amount of engagement and collaboration over the past year, with input gathered from hospital staff, physicians, leaders, BCHS Board of Directors, BCHS Foundation, Patient and Family Advisory Council, patient partners, and the broader community.
“The lens of a hospital is far beyond its physical walls. This plan reflects the diverse voices of the communities we serve and the care needs that will support its overall well-being for generations to come,” says Camm.
For Dr. Kim Ann Laush, Chair of the BCHS Board of Directors, this milestone achievement marks a significant shift for the community.
“We know how long this community has been waiting and advocating for a new hospital. Your voices matter, they have been heard, and we are ready to move forward together to make this vision a reality.”
“As one of the fastest growing communities in southwestern Ontario, we know that the demands on our healthcare system are only increasing. We are doing everything possible to ensure that we are here to meet the needs of our community well into the future, and this submission takes us one step closer.”
Building on this momentum, the next steps in planning include developing further details on every room in the new hospital, including what each room will be used for and where it will be located to provide the best possible experience for patients and staff.
“I want to sincerely thank the Ministry of Health for their shared commitment and continued investment in critical planning activities, our hospital teams for their expertise in developing the Stage 1.3 Functional Program, and our community for their participation in shaping the submission through their lived experiences, input, and vision for a new hospital,” says Camm.
“Our community deserves a new hospital, and we will continue to work until that goal is realized.”
Learn more about the BCHS New Hospital Project and stay informed on the latest news, updates, and engagement opportunities.
Together we are building a new hospital for the community, with the community.
Photo: (L) Dr. Kim Ann Laush, Chair of the BCHS Board of Directors, and (R) Bonnie Camm, BCHS President and CEO.