Ontario invests $15M in new emergency department at Guelph General Hospital

Ontario says it is investing over $15 million to redevelop the emergency department at Guelph General Hospital.

The province says the redevelopment will expand emergency services, including emergency mental health services, to improve access to high-quality care for patients and families in Guelph, Wellington and the surrounding communities.

“Redeveloping the emergency department at Guelph General Hospital is a key part of our government’s plan to stay open and build a stronger, more resilient health care system with the capacity to ensure all Ontarians are fully supported on their journey to wellness,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, in a statement. “This investment will enhance emergency services, including emergency mental health services, so that patients have timely access to high-quality care when they need it the most.”

According to the province, on average more than 60,000 patients visit the emergency department in Guelph General Hospital every year.

The province says the first phase of the redevelopment will relocate emergency mental health and addictions services to a renovated space within the hospital. The services will include a new short stay assessment unit that will provide increased assessment, monitoring and treatment of adult patients experiencing psychiatric emergencies, as well as a new emergency follow-up service that will increase individual and group counselling.

“With Guelph being one of the fastest growing cities in the province, there’s a need to grow the department,” said Marianne Walker, President and CEO of Guelph General Hospital, in a statement. “We are so grateful for this funding as this first phase will expand our undersized emergency department. Once complete, it will help improve the health and well-being of our patients needing mental health and addiction services.”

Ontario says it is working with Guelph General Hospital to finalize the early stages of the planning process, which includes confirming service volumes, programming, operational and space requirements and further assessments.