Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital (HGMH) is moving toward resuming 24-hour emergency service operations following a temporary partial closure of the emergency department on July 15, 2022. The HGMH is not ready to open fully for seven days per week due to ongoing extreme staffing pressures.
Instead, the emergency department will be open 24 hours per day on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week. The hours for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will remain from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. only; the emergency department will be closed on these days from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.
The new hours will be in place from Wednesday, August 3, 2022, to Monday, August 22, 2022. Due to staffing issues, the plan is reviewed daily and according to a press release, any additional reduction in staffing levels may impact this plan.
“We remain committed to exploring all options to stabilize staffing, return to normal operations and to ensure the continued safety of our patients and staff. The hospital has been actively recruiting new nurses, working with temporary staffing agencies, welcoming nurses
back from leaves of absence, and assessing alternate models of care to address the system wide Health Human Resource shortage that we are experiencing at HGMH.” said Robert Alldred-Hughes, President & CEO of HGMH.
People are reminded to call 911 if they are experiencing Severe Shortness of Breath, Chest Pain, Severe Bleeding or periods of unconsciousness. Ambulances will be redirected to the Cornwall Community Hospital or the Hawkesbury & District General Hospital.
If you are experiencing less severe symptoms that still require immediate care, drive to a neighbouring hospital.
In addition, if you are seeking medical advice, call Health Connect Ontario (811) to be able to speak to a Registered Nurse 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
Updates will be shared via the hospital website and social media platforms.
ABOUT HÔPITAL GLENGARRY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital (HGMH) has been offering services in Alexandria for more than 50 years. HGMH provides acute care, complex continuing care, 24-hour emergency services, and rehabilitation to more than 23,000 residents every year. It employs 150 staff members, 50 medical staff members and has the support of 100 volunteers.
