After an investigation in 2023 revealed severe deficiencies in operations at the Lakeshore Hospital emergency department in Pointe-Claire, a new, modern, modular emergency room is set to open next to it as a temporary solution. The investigation was launched by the province’s health ministry following several troubling deaths and a report described the conditions as a “toxic environment” with inadequate monitoring of patients from doctors’ and nurses’ stations. The new temporary unit, built on the parking lot of the old ER, is seen as an in-between step until a permanent new emergency room is built at the end of 2027 or early 2028. Head nurse Rose Carmel Exantus highlights the improvements in the new modular structure, including better visibility of patients from nursing stations, more space, and improved monitoring capabilities.
The new modular emergency room features 30 stretchers, 4 isolation rooms, and 4 resuscitation rooms, all of which are monitored. With a larger waiting room, more staff can be stationed there to attend to patients, ensuring that those who have been waiting for a long time are not neglected. Dr. Robin Nathanson, chief of emergency medicine, believes that the well-thought-out and properly laid out new space will allow for optimized patient care. Nurses’ union spokesperson Kristina Hoare expresses excitement about the changes, noting that staff have been demanding improvements for years and are thrilled about the upcoming new emergency room. The temporary ER, which was initially scheduled to open in November, will begin welcoming patients this week.
The new modular emergency room boasts more space, natural light, and improved patient monitoring capabilities compared to the old ER. Head nurse Exantus emphasizes the increased visibility of patients from nursing stations, allowing for better monitoring and care. CEO Dan Gabay points out the larger waiting room, which allows for more staff to attend to patients and prevent those who have been waiting for long periods from leaving without being seen. Dr. Nathanson believes that the new space will enable staff to provide optimal care and improve the overall patient experience.
The temporary emergency room, set to open this week, is seen as a positive step towards addressing the deficiencies identified in the previous investigation. The new structure provides a much-needed upgrade to the old ER with more space, better monitoring capabilities, and improved patient care. Staff, including nurses’ union spokesperson Hoare, are excited about the changes and the upcoming construction of a permanent new emergency room. The improvements in the new modular emergency room are expected to make a significant difference for both staff and patients, providing a more efficient and effective healthcare environment.
With the opening of the new modular emergency room, staff and patients can expect a more modern, spacious, and well-equipped facility. The increased visibility and monitoring capabilities, along with the larger waiting room and improved layout, are all designed to enhance the quality of care provided to patients. Dr. Nathanson and other healthcare professionals believe that the new space will allow for optimized patient care and a better overall experience for those seeking emergency medical attention. The temporary ER is a step towards the construction of a permanent new emergency room, which will further enhance the healthcare services available to the community and address the deficiencies identified in the previous investigation.
