Thursday, June 14, 2012
Emergency Room Renovations Wrap Up at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital
(June 1, 2012, Muskoka, ON) – Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare has gotten ‘ER’ done.
A major renovation project to update the Emergency Room (ER) at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital Site has been completed. The eight-week renovation began April 2.
The renovation has updated and improved the infrastructure of the Nursing Station and also focused on improving work spaces and workflow to better care for patients.
Dr. Anthony Shearing, Emergency Department Medical Director, explained the upgrades have created improved workspace for staff and physicians and better computer access and medication storage. The project also incorporated several health and safety and infection control measures, including improved access to hand-washing sinks.
ER staff are embracing the improved workspace that is nearly double the size of the original Nursing Station, he added.
“Staff’s first impressions are that the space is spacious and bright and organized. They couldn’t wait to move back in,” said Dr. Shearing. “It’s the little things like having better chart organization, a designated area for medication preparation and workstations to accommodate the staff on duty.”
Funding for the renovation came from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and the Local Health Integration Network’s Hospital Infrastructure Renewal Fund. The total renovation cost is approximately $250,000.
Chief Executive Officer Natalie Bubela was pleased that the renovation was completed on time and on budget with minimal changes. She said the project aligns with MAHC’s new Strategic Plan and efforts to create a Sustainable Future, one of the Plan’s strategic target areas.
“The improvements will help MAHC to fulfill its vision of providing Outstanding Care that is People Focused,” Bubela said. “I’m looking forward to the improved processes that will come out of this renovation, both from a staff and patient perspective. The new and improved space will serve our patients and health professionals well for years to come.”
During the renovation period, there was minimal disruption to patient care. The department continued to treat patients, and MAHC staff worked diligently to provide quality customer service and to avoid longer than anticipated wait times.
Most of the work was completed by R&G Construction, a local contractor. MAHC thanks all of the trades for their hard work on this project. The tradespeople were mindful that they were working in a functioning health care facility and the organization is grateful for the professionalism they displayed throughout the renovation period.
Finally, MAHC thanks the staff and physicians for their involvement in the planning and design process and to the countless individuals throughout the organization who assisted in patient flow through the area. In particular, MAHC acknowledges the ER staff and physicians for their willingness and flexibility to work in less than ideal circumstances, knowing the “short-term pain" was worth the “long-term gain".
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