MRHA Takes Further Action to Address Emergency Department Challenges
January 06, 2025
Strengthening Healthcare in Almonte
and Carleton Place
Almonte and Carleton Place, ON
– The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) remains committed to delivering
safe, high-quality healthcare for the communities it serves. Recognizing the
critical role played by the Emergency Departments (EDs) at both Almonte General
Hospital (AGH) and Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH),
MRHA is taking proactive steps to address ongoing staffing challenges and
ensure the long-term sustainability of emergency care in the region.
“Temporary closures are always a last resort, and we are working
tirelessly with our teams to minimize their impact,” said Brad
Harrington, President and CEO of the Mississippi River Health Alliance. “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.”
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.
"The Emergency Departments at AGH and CPDMH are more than just a
cornerstone of our healthcare model—they are central to the well-being of our
community," said Lianne Learmonth, Chief Nursing Executive, MRHA. "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."
MRHA is taking targeted actions to address staffing challenges and
reduce the risk of future closures:
- 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, 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.
Supporting the Community During Closures
MRHA is dedicated to keeping the 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.”
Balancing Challenges with Progress
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.
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Media Contact:
Caitlin O’Hara, Communications Lead
Mississippi River Health Alliance
613-621-9638
caohara@mrha.ca
About the Mississippi River Health Alliance
(MRHA)
The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) was formed in 2016 to
formalize and strengthen collaboration between the Almonte General Hospital
Corporation—which includes Almonte General Hospital (AGH), Fairview Manor
(FVM), and the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS)—and the Carleton Place
& District Memorial Hospital Corporation (CPDMH). This partnership delivers
seamless, high-quality healthcare that addresses the evolving needs of local
communities. Together, the MRHA is building an integrated healthcare system
that provides comprehensive care close to home, enhancing access and improving
health outcomes throughout the region. For more information visit MRHA.ca.