St. Mary's Hospital launches $16.3M emergency department renovation
The three-year project, funded entirely through private donations, aims to increase capacity by roughly 30 per cent and reduce wait times at a department seeing over 35,000 patients yearly.
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St. Mary's Hospital is beginning a $16.3-million emergency department renovation funded entirely through private donations, including part of a $145-million estate gift from late Paul Du Rocher — one of the largest testamentary donations to hospital philanthropy in Quebec.
The department currently sees more than 35,000 patients each year. The renovation will create more physical space and redesign the department's layout, allowing staff to care for more patients without adding stretchers. Hospital officials estimate the work could eventually increase capacity by about 30 per cent, with a long-term goal of improving patient flow and reducing wait times.
The project is expected to take three years. Hospital officials acknowledged it remains unclear how much the renovations will actually shorten waits, despite the capacity gains. The timing comes as Montreal emergency departments have been under significant strain.
The facts
How much is St. Mary's Hospital spending on its emergency department renovation?
$16.3 million. The project is funded entirely through private donations, including a portion of a $145-million estate gift from Paul Du Rocher.
How many patients does St. Mary's emergency department currently see each year?
More than 35,000 patients yearly.
By how much could the renovation increase the emergency department's capacity?
About 30 per cent. The work will create more physical space and redesign the department's layout to allow staff to care for more patients without adding stretchers.
