The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) reviews the distribution of services at the Lachine Hospital
Montreal, February 8, 2023 - In order to adapt the services offered to patients at the Lachine Hospital, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) informs the public that as of Tuesday, February 14, 2023, ambulances transporting patients in need of acute care will be redirected to other hospitals. The Lachine Hospital Emergency Department will continue to operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week for walk-in patients, i.e., people who arrive at the emergency department by their own means.
On the one hand, patients requiring acute care for serious conditions will be directed to the Glen site, the Neuro or the Montreal General Hospital. This planned reorganization of services will allow for an improved distribution of resources to better meet the needs of the region's aging population. In addition, the staff at Lachine Hospital will continue to be able to manage any critical situation quickly.
On the other hand, all essential services such as surgery, radiology, medical imaging and laboratories at Lachine Hospital will continue to function normally, as will activities at the CHSLD Camille-Lefebvre.
Patient access to healthcare professionals, the priority
The Lachine Hospital, with its community mission, and its CHSLD Camille-Lefebvre were integrated into the MUHC in 2008. The hospital, which operates within a university institution, has been facing workforce challenges for several years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2021, it was announced that the emergency department would be closed overnight. Today, in order to continue to optimize patient services, at the request of the MUHC's new president and executive director, Dr. Lucie Opatrny, the institution's clinical leaders have made the decision to redirect ambulances to neighbouring hospitals and to receive patients arriving by their own means only, i.e., ambulatory patients. Also, at the request of Dr. Opatrny, the institution's clinical leaders will immediately begin the process of evaluating the best solution for the hospital's mission.
The work on the Lachine Hospital modernization project is well underway and we are committed to bringing it to a successful conclusion. Once completed, this project, estimated at more than $200 million, will enable the hospital to offer the population high-quality care at the forefront of technology and knowledge. The management team will continue to analyze and adapt its care offer according to the needs of the field.
"We would like to reaffirm our commitment to our staff and our population. We are actively pursuing our recruitment efforts and we wish to offer both hospital staff and new recruits attractive and stimulating employment opportunities. We thank the staff, patients and the public for their understanding and cooperation. We will continue to be transparent at every step of the way in improving services at the MUHC.”
- Dr. Lucie Opatrny, CEO of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)
Media Contact:
Annie-Claire Fournier
Media relations Advisor
McGill University Health Centre
[email protected]