St. Joe's unveils renovated emergency department aimed at improving wait times and patient experience
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton today marked the completion of renovations to its emergency department that are designed to modernize the space, improve patient privacy and overall experience and enhance security. Community leaders including Deputy Mayor Ted McMeekin, MP Aslam Rana and MPP Monica Ciriello were on hand to celebrate this milestone. Originally built more than 20 years ago, the emergency department renovations will help improve the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care at the city’s busiest emergency department.
“The reopening of our renovated emergency department highlights our commitment to ongoing and needed improvements throughout our hospital that support the exceptional, patient-centred care our teams provide,” said Mike Heenan, president, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. “Every change was made with purpose, to enhance safety, improve efficiency and ensure a more respectful and compassionate experience for our patients, their families and our dedicated care teams.”
The renovations include:
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A larger waiting area to accommodate more patients and families
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A new triage area to streamline assessments and protect the privacy and dignity of our patients
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More patient assessment bays to expedite the time between arrival and diagnosis and reduce wait times
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A redesigned security station that will enable the emergency department to be safer for patients, families, physicians, staff and learners
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A specialized EMS offloading area that will allow for direct patient transfers which will help with patient flow
The renovation project, costing approximately $1.5 million, was primarily funded by donations from our generous community of grateful patients and friends through the work of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation.
“Support for this project came from every corner of our community. Grateful patients, corporate and family foundations, estate gifts and funds raised through events like the Around the Bay Road Race, the St. Joe’s Gala and the St. Joe’s Golf Tournament. If you’ve ever wondered how your 5k run, your round of golf, or your night out at our gala helps our hospital, these renovations to the emergency department are one very tangible way. We’re grateful to the donors who’ve made this project possible,” says Sera Filice, President & CEO, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation.
The renovated emergency department opens to patients on August 6. Until its opening, the temporary emergency department located across the hall, will continue in operation.
(L-R) Mike Heenan, president, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Deputy Mayor Ted McMeekin, Dr. Andrew Healey, Chief of Emergency Medicine, Sera Filice, president & CEO, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, MPP Monica Ciriello and MP Aslam Rana
"We all know that emergency departments are more than just bricks and mortar. They are places of urgency, of compassion and of critical decision-making. These renovations will help ensure services delivered to our community are more dignified, efficient and supportive."
Ted McMeekin,
Deputy Mayor, City of Hamilton
"As someone who comes from an engineering background, I can truly appreciate the thought, coordination and effort that’s gone into delivering this expanded facility in a way that balances both urgency and quality. From the redesigned triage areas to the new care bays and waiting rooms, this is more than just a renovation—it’s a reinvestment in dignity, efficiency and timely care."
Aslam Rana,
MP, Hamilton Centre
“Today marks a significant milestone for our city and for everyone who relies on the exceptional care provided by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Their newly renovated emergency department includes additional waiting room seats and private areas for screenings, geared to serving a growing community in Hamilton. This development reflects St. Joe’s deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.”
Monica Ciriello
MPP, Hamilton Mountain
“The meaningful improvements to our emergency department will support the high-quality, compassionate care we provide to patients every day by providing more privacy, more security and a better experience for those who come to us in times of need. We’re grateful to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation for helping us make these plans a reality and to our dedicated teams for their continued commitment to delivering exceptional care in every moment that matters.”
Dr. Andrew Healey,
Chief of emergency medicine, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton