MOUNT FOREST – Important information about upcoming changes at the Louise Marshall Hospital in Mount Forest, due to the construction currently underway, was shared at an open house Feb. 25.
About 20 people dropped in to learn first-hand what is happening as the first phase – space for a new temporary emergency department (ED) – is completed.
The ED was to open on March 5 in its temporary location. On March 6, the old main and ED entrance will close and a new entrance opened, off Dublin Street.
On March 7, the main parking lot will close and be relocated to the north parking lot.
“The opening of the temporary ED was delayed by a week … to complete equipment installation and life safety upgrades,” said Stephen Street, President and CEO of North Wellington Health Care (NWHC).
“However, we are excited to move forward with the next stages of expansion redevelopment.”
He urged people to “drive carefully through the construction area” when visiting the hospital and to “pay attention to the directional signs to help guide you to your service.”
For example, the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation donor wall has been removed to make way for “wayfinding” signage.
An updated donor wall will be installed in 2021, after the expansion project has been completed.
Once construction is complete, the redevelopment will provide a newly expanded emergency and ambulatory care department, covered ambulance bays, increased parking and improved accessibility.