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Historic Ribbon-Cutting Marks Official Grand Opening of the CPDMH Thomas Cavanagh Emergency Department

January 27, 2025

Carleton Place, ON The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) proudly celebrated the official grand opening of the new Thomas Cavanagh Emergency Department (ED) at Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) today. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant milestone in the community's journey toward enhanced healthcare access. Local dignitaries, donors, healthcare leaders, and community members gathered to mark this transformative moment in regional healthcare.

Brad Harrington, President and CEO of the MRHA, emphasized the vital role of the ED staff who have served the community for decades. “This facility is far more than bricks and mortar; it embodies our collective vision to deliver accessible, high-quality care that meets the needs of every family in our region. The tireless dedication and resilience of our team in the former Emergency Department laid the foundation for this remarkable new space. Their unwavering focus on exceptional patient care will continue to define our success,” said Harrington.

While unable to attend in person, Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier of Ontario and Minister of Health, provided remarks highlighting the provincial government’s contributions to the project. "Our government is making record investments to ensure people can continue to connect to convenient care options, close to home," said Minister Jones. "We are excited to celebrate the completion of this new emergency department which will provide patients and staff with a larger and more comfortable space to receive and deliver high-quality emergency care in the region."

MPP John Jordan, who attended the ceremony on behalf of the Provincial Government, also shared his thoughts, stating, “This incredible new facility reflects the province’s commitment to supporting local healthcare. The Thomas Cavanagh Emergency Department stands as a symbol of progress and resilience, ensuring families in our community have access to exceptional care close to home. This significant investment will connect more people to the care they need, when they need it,” said MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “This is a critical step toward improving healthcare access for patients in Carleton Place and surrounding communities in our riding. Ensuring our hospitals and community health facilities have the infrastructure in place to deliver the high-quality care patients expect and deserve is a priority for our government and I will continue to advocate for more development at the Carleton Place and District Memorial hospital.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the Cavanagh family, whose generosity was pivotal to the project’s success, along with representatives from the CPDMH Foundation, municipal leaders, and key donors. Attendees were also given exclusive tours of the facility, which has been thoughtfully designed to provide modern, patient-centered care while supporting staff and enhancing operational efficiency.

The new Emergency Department will officially open for clinical operations on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, welcoming its first patients.

This transformational project was made possible by significant investments by the Provincial Government and the Healthy Futures. Together! campaign. Led by a dedicated campaign cabinet and volunteers, the campaign raised over $5 million through the generous contributions of donors and community partners. The facility is designed to meet modern healthcare standards, providing an efficient and welcoming environment for both patients and staff.

To stay updated on MRHA news and developments, visit www.MRHA.ca or follow MRHA on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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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.