MRHA addresses staffing shortages, emergency room closures in Carleton Place, Almonte

The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) says it will be taking proactive steps to address ongoing staffing challenges and ensure the long-term sustainability of emergency care in the region, particularly the emergency departments (EDs) at both Almonte General Hospital (AGH) and Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH), which have experienced a number of temporary closures over the last couple of years.

“Temporary closures are always a last resort, and we are working tirelessly with our teams to minimize their impact,” stated Brad Harrington, President and CEO of the Mississippi River Health Alliance, in a media release. “We are committed to preserving and strengthening both emergency departments as part of a sustainable, integrated local healthcare system that adapts to the evolving needs of the regions we serve.”

A media release explains that ensuring patient and staff safety is MRHA’s top priority. Both AGH and CPDMH EDs require a minimum of two nurses per shift to provide care, including critical functions such as triage, patient monitoring, and timely interventions.

“When this standard cannot be met, temporary closures are implemented for safety and quality of care reasons. During closures, patients requiring emergency services are redirected to nearby hospitals for prompt care.”

Chief Nursing Executive Lianne Learmonth noted that the emergency departments at AGH and CPDMH are more than just a cornerstone of the healthcare model—they are central to the well-being of the community.

“We remain dedicated to maintaining and enhancing two exceptional emergency departments in Almonte and Carleton Place, collaborating together to deliver care that meets the needs of our patients today and in the future,” Learmonth stated.

MRHA is taking targeted actions to address staffing challenges and reduce the risk of future closures in the following ways:

• New ED Nursing Staffing Model: A tailored RN staffing model is being introduced to meet the specific needs of both EDs. This initiative will enhance long-term staffing stability. Over the time needed to fully implement this model, the risk of temporary closures will continue to reduce.
• Nurse On-Call Program: This temporary program has prevented multiple closures by increasing staffing during high-need periods.
• Proactive Recruitment Efforts: MRHA continues to recruit skilled nursing staff through competitive incentives and development opportunities.
• Collaborative Partnerships: By partnering with educational institutions and government programs, MRHA is building a sustainable healthcare workforce to support its rural communities.
• Advocacy for Rural Healthcare: MRHA continues to engage with provincial leaders, advocating for solutions and increased resources to address the challenges faced by its rural hospitals.

MRHA says it will community informed while ensuring alternative access to care. Patients with non-urgent health concerns are encouraged to access care via other services such as family physicians, walk-in clinics, or telemedicine. For urgent or emergency needs, patients are advised to call 911 or visit the nearest open ED.

“We deeply value the trust our community places in us,” Harrington added. “While these challenges reflect broader systemic issues, we are focused on immediate solutions and long-term improvements. Our goal is to ensure consistent access to emergency care. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our patients, staff, and donors as we navigate these challenges together.”

But, despite these challenges, MRHA is proud to celebrate recent milestones that exemplify the impact of teamwork and community support. The new CPDMH ED, made possible through provincial and community contributions, and the AGH CT scanner, funded entirely by local donors, highlight the power of collaboration. These achievements underscore MRHA’s dedication to improving healthcare in our region and the vital role of community partnerships in healthcare services.

For updates on ED operations and MRHA’s ongoing efforts, visit MRHA.ca.