Hospital expansion opening, transfer a success

MILTON — The Milton District Hospital expansion opening and patient move was a success, says Halton Healthcare.

Services in the hospital addition commenced with the opening of the new emergency and maternal newborn departments Sunday morning, followed by patient transfers for most of the day prior to the hospital opening to visitors.

The first patient arrived at the new ER within an hour of opening, and the first baby — a girl — was born in the expanded maternity ward at 4:34 p.m.

A total of 43 in-patients were safely transferred from the obstetrics, medical surgical, intensive care and emergency departments to the expansion in less than three hours. The first surgery took place in one of the new operating rooms later in the day.

“The success of this project is the direct result of countless hours of planning and preparation by many people. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the dedicated team at Milton District Hospital and Halton Healthcare and everyone who contributed to the realization of this new expansion,” said Halton Healthcare CEO Denise Hardenne.

The move involved specialty teams comprised of more than 200 staff, physicians and volunteers, as well as the services of Health Care Relocations, a specialized hospital moving company.

The original building, now referred to as the hospital’s north block, continues to be used for programs and services.

Patients visiting MDH’s emergency department should note the entrance has moved and is now accessible from Derry Road.