Photo from Norfolk General Hospital Media Release
Norfolk General Hospital has officially opened two new Minimally Invasive Surgical Suites, completing a multi-million-dollar project aimed at expanding and modernizing surgical care in Norfolk County.
The project rebuilt two operating rooms dating back to 1964, giving the hospital four fully functional operating rooms instead of three.
The new suites feature modern technology and equipment, including 4K laparoscopic technology, ceiling-mounted surgical booms, new LED surgical lights, surgical tables and anesthesia equipment.
Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions, cameras and specialized instruments, with high-resolution monitors providing surgeons with a detailed view during procedures.
For some patients, the approach can mean less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery, while also giving local patients greater access to modern surgical technology without having to travel outside the community.
More than 5,600 surgical procedures were performed at Norfolk General Hospital last year.
Hospital officials say the new suites will also give surgical teams greater flexibility and create a modern working environment that can help with the recruitment and retention of surgeons, physicians and other health-care professionals.
The project was supported by Norfolk County and the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation.
Norfolk County contributed $3 million toward the work as part of a $5-million capital commitment approved by council in 2016, while the hospital foundation contributed another $1 million through its Building a Better Hospital Campaign.
Construction began in February 2026 and was planned so surgical care could continue throughout the work.
A temporary emergency C-section room was also created in the Maternal Newborn Unit to ensure the critical service remained available during construction.
NGH marked the completion of the project Wednesday with a ribbon cutting and tours of the new suites.
Hospital leaders, surgeons, staff, county representatives, donors, the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk and members of the NGH and NGH Foundation boards attended the celebration.
Hospital officials say the new suites will help thousands of patients receive modern surgical care closer to home for years to come.
