The Lakeshore Hospital emergency department in Pointe-Claire was the subject of an investigation in 2023 after several troubling deaths occurred, prompting concerns about abominable conditions and a toxic environment. The investigation revealed severe deficiencies in the operations of the aging facility, leading to the decision to build a new, modern, modular emergency room next to the old one. The new unit, set to open in 2028, is a temporary solution to address some of the problems identified in the investigation. The West Island health board CEO, Dan Gabay, describes the new structure as an in-between step while a permanent emergency room is being built.
The new modular emergency room features improvements such as better monitoring capabilities, more space, increased natural light, and a larger waiting room. Head nurse Rose Carmel Exantus highlights the enhanced visibility of patients from nursing stations, stating that staff can easily monitor all patients from a central hub. The new emergency room boasts 30 stretchers, four isolation rooms, and four resuscitation rooms, all of which are monitored for patient safety. Exantus also notes that with more staff stationed in the waiting room, patients are less likely to leave without being seen after waiting for long periods.
Dr. Robin Nathanson, chief of emergency medicine, believes that the new space will allow staff to optimize patient care by providing a well-thought-out and properly laid-out environment. Nurses’ union spokesperson Kristina Hoare states that these changes are long overdue, as staff have been demanding improvements for years. The introduction of a new emergency room is seen as a positive development by staff, offering a light at the end of the tunnel after years of working in challenging conditions at the old facility. The temporary ER, originally scheduled to open in November, is set to welcome patients and is expected to make a significant difference in patient care.
The new modular emergency room is designed to address the deficiencies identified in the investigation and provide a more efficient and modern healthcare environment for both patients and staff. With improved monitoring capabilities, increased space, and better visibility of patients, the new structure aims to enhance patient safety and optimize the care provided by medical professionals. The larger waiting room and additional staffing in this area contribute to a more organized and efficient patient flow, reducing the likelihood of patients leaving without being seen. Overall, the new emergency room is a positive step towards improving patient care and addressing the long-standing issues at the aging Lakeshore Hospital facility.
The completion of the new emergency room represents a milestone in the efforts to upgrade healthcare facilities in the Pointe-Claire area and provide a more advanced and patient-centered environment for emergency care. The temporary nature of the modular structure allows for immediate improvements while a permanent emergency room is being built for long-term solutions. Staff members, including nurses, doctors, and union representatives, are optimistic about the changes and look forward to the positive impact on patient outcomes and overall working conditions. The transition to the new emergency room marks a significant advancement in healthcare services in the community and offers hope for continued improvements in the future.
