Alexandria, ON – On Friday July 15th, 2022, HGMH began a temporary partial closure of the Emergency Department from 6:00pm to 8:00am daily. The HGMH team has been working hard to develop a plan to re-open and is currently implementing a gradual resumption to 24-hour Emergency Service Operations. Given the extreme staffing pressures we have been experiencing, we are not yet in a position to open fully seven days per week. Instead, the Emergency Department will be open 24 hours a day on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week. The hours for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will remain from 8:00am to 6:00pm only and closed 6:00pm to 8:00am.
As we look ahead, this gradual resumption plan will be in place from Wednesday August 3rd, 2022, to Monday August 22nd, 2022. This planning is reviewed daily given the delicate staffing situations. 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.
Our communities are reminded to call 911 if you 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 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 a day, 7 days a week.
Updates will be shared via our hospital website and social media platforms.
