Dear Editor:
As Guelph General Hospital celebrated its 150th anniversary this year, we embarked on the initial phase of a long-term redevelopment plan for our organization.
While we work with our partners at the local and provincial level to obtain the necessary support, financial resources and an appropriate location to build a new hospital, we are undertaking significant renovations to our existing spaces to ensure they meet the needs of the community we serve now.
Earlier this year, a major improvement project in our Laboratory Medicine area began which is enabling us to automate many of our processes to help meet the year-over-year increase in lab tests we conduct. In 2024, 200,000 more tests were completed than in 2020. Renovations, the introduction of digital pathology, replacement of state-of-the-art equipment, and an automated core lab will not only improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency but ensure an improved patient experience.
Completion of this project is anticipated in spring of 2026. However, that will be determined by the level of funding for equipment which is provided through generous donors to The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.
Members of the Foundation’s Circle of Life have generously stepped up to fund the purchase of digital pathology scanners and an automated hematology system. Fundraising continues to support the purchase of these ongoing improvements, as well as all patient care equipment. Completion of this project is anticipated in spring 2026.
Thanks to funding from the province and a $1-million commitment from The Angel Gabriel Foundation, we have made significant progress on improvements to our Emergency Department and Mental Health and Addiction Services. When the project is completed in late 2026, we will have a new triage, registration and waiting area along with a new ambulance garage. These changes will help alleviate the pressures of treating more patients than the current space was built for (a space that was built to support 40,000 patients treats well over 60,000 annually).
One of the first milestones of the project will be to move our short stay assessment unit and join it with the Mental Health and Addictions Emergency Follow-up Services program on Level 1. This creates a more spacious environment for assessing, monitoring, and treating adult patients experiencing mental health emergencies. It also provides an appropriate environment for emergency follow up services that will help reduce repeat Emergency Department visits.
In addition, we are working with our partners at the Guelph campus of Conestoga College to create a new community-based medical centre that will house several Diagnostic Imaging services (breast imaging, ultrasound, x-ray, MRI and bone density) and over time will expand to include ambulatory medical clinics.
If you have any questions email info@gghorg.ca.
Mark Walton,
President and CEO,
Guelph General Hospital