The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) is ramping up efforts to address staffing challenges in the Emergency Departments (EDs) at Almonte General Hospital (AGH) and Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH). Temporary closures of EDs are being used only as a last resort to ensure patient safety.
MRHA President and CEO Brad Harrington emphasized the importance of maintaining both departments as key parts of a sustainable healthcare system. “We are committed to minimizing closures and preserving these essential services,” Harrington said.
Key measures include a new nursing model to stabilize staffing, a temporary nurse on-call program, proactive recruitment, and partnerships with educational institutions to build a rural healthcare workforce.
Lianne Learmonth, Chief Nursing Executive, reaffirmed MRHA’s dedication to enhancing emergency services. “We’re committed to delivering care that meets the needs of our communities today and in the future,” she said.