Crews are working “around the clock” to rebuild the Port Perry hospital following a fire in August.

In a video posted to the Lakeridge Health website earlier this week, President and CEO Matthew Anderson assured area residents that the hospital would reopen as soon as possible.

“While construction is expected to be a lengthy process, it gives us the opportunity to complete some much needed hospital upgrades,” he said.

The organization’s website also features a news release updating area residents on the progress thus far.

“We understand that there has been concern from residents who use the Port Perry hospital and we wanted to take this opportunity to assure community members that we understand their frustrations and are working to get the hospital operational again as soon as possible. Indeed, any assertion to the contrary is simply wrong,” the release reads.

“Construction experts and the hospital team have been concentrating on restoration efforts since the night of the fire. The focus has been asbestos removal necessary to ensure the safety of anyone in the building. This work must be completed before construction can begin. Now that the weather has cooled, workers are onsite 24-hours-a-day.”

With that said, a formal timeline for construction is not in place.

“In the meantime, all equipment has been catalogued and documented. Urgently needed medical equipment to support health care operations for North Durham residents has been transferred to Oshawa and Bowmanville hospitals. The remaining equipment is being cleaned, wrapped and transported to offsite storage while the restoration of the Port Perry Hospital is underway,” the release reads.

“We expect construction and restoration to take place until at least the spring/summer of 2018. A more detailed timeline for reopening will be determined towards the end of November 2017. We realize the importance of delivering safe, local quality care to the Port Perry community and regret any inconveniences this has caused our patients, our staff, our community healthcare partners, and the community at large. We are committed to keeping the local community informed as the project progresses and we thank you in advance for your ongoing patience and understanding.”

Anyone with questions about the efforts to rebuild the hospital are asked to send an email to PortPerryQuestions@lakeridgehealth.on.ca or call 1-833-681-9840.