A milestone in healthcare was marked in Niagara today with the successful opening of the new St. Catharines hospital. Close to 200 patients were safely transported to the site during a complex move that took approximately six hours.
“The move went very smoothly thanks to the hard work and cooperation of the many physicians, staff, volunteers, and our community partners including Niagara Emergency Medical Services,” says Susan Kwolek, Vice President Patient Services, Executive Lead, St. Catharines Site. “We want to thank patients and their families for their patience and trust in us during the transfer.”
Highlights:
- 222 patients were involved in the move (197 transferred to the new St. Catharines Site, the rest were discharged). Most patients were transferred from the St. Catharines General Site. Mental health inpatients from the Welland and Greater Niagara General sites, as well inpatient nephrology patients were also moved to St. Catharines.
- The patient transfers began between 7 and 7:30 a.m. and ended at approximately 1 p.m.
- The first emergency patient arrived at the new St. Catharines Site at 6:03 a.m.
- The last emergency patient was transferred from the St. Catharines General Site at 12:15 p.m.
- At 7:41 a.m. the last baby (a girl) was born at the St. Catharines General Site
- At 11:45 a.m. the first baby (a boy) was born at the new St. Catharines Site. His family is from Fort Erie.
“It is an honour to be a part of this incredible day,” says Gloria Kain, Chief Capital Planning Officer. “What a wonderful feeling to watch the heartbeat of the building come to life; it is truly one million square feet of care now.”
All of our other sites remain open. Please visit MinutesCount.ca for important information about emergency medical services in Niagara.
Today also marks the launch of a new Niagara Health System website which includes key information about hospital services in Niagara: www.niagarahealth.on.ca.
Contact: Brady Wood, Chief Communications Officer; brady.wood@niagarahealth.on.ca, 905-380-0884.
