New Carleton Place emergency department set to open in new year

The wait is almost over for residents in Lanark County who have been awaiting the completion of the highly anticipated new Thomas Cavanagh Emergency Department (ED) at the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH).

The ED has been undergoing renovations since November 2022. 

While the project timeline was previously delayed, the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) is thrilled to announce that the renovations are in their final stages and the space will be open and operational in the new year.

Caitlin O’Hara, communications lead with MRHA, told Lanarkist, “This project not only reflects years of careful planning and collaboration, but also serves as a tribute to the dedication of our exceptional ER team, staff, and physicians. Their unwavering commitment to patient care has been a constant source of inspiration throughout this process.”

She continued, “As we approach the final stages, we eagerly anticipate welcoming patients into this state-of-the-art facility, designed to empower our healthcare professionals and enhance the care we deliver to the Carleton Place community and beyond.”

The original ED, built in 1955, was designed for a much smaller population and lacked the space and infrastructure needed to support modern standards of advanced care.

“At the heart of this transformation is our incredible ER team—the physicians, nurses, and staff who provide life-saving care every day,” explained O’Hara. “They deserve a space that reflects their expertise and dedication, enabling them to continue delivering exceptional service while adapting to future challenges.”

According to the MRHA, key enhancements in the new facility include: 

• Expanded space: Nearly doubling the size of the previous ED, the facility now features 11 treatment areas, including specialized spaces for trauma, mental health, and pediatric care. This enables a skilled team to deliver focused, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Enhanced accessibility: Barrier-free entrances and a dedicated ambulance bay streamline patient flow, allowing our emergency teams to work more efficiently while improving patient outcomes.
• Modern design and comfort: Natural light fills treatment and waiting areas, creating a calm, healing environment that supports both patients and the healthcare professionals who care for them.
• Improved safety: State-of-the-art infection control measures, including advanced air handling systems, prioritize the well-being of patients and staff alike.

This project is also a testament to the power of the greater community as the ‘Healthy Futures. Together! ‘ campaign raised $5 million to put towards the first phase of the ED redevelopment.

“It’s a powerful reminder that, together, we can create the healthcare future our community deserves,” O’Hara said. “We can’t wait to open the doors and share this milestone with the people who inspire us every day.”