Temporary Closure of Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital (HGMH) Emergency Department (09/29)

Alexandria, ON – Like many hospitals across the province, Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital (HGMH) continues to face significant pressures due to ongoing staffing shortages and high demand for care. Every day, HGMH’s teams work diligently to carefully balance the need for our services with staffing being a significant challenge.

In order to ensure HGMH has the staff to care for our patients, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close the Emergency Department from Friday September 30th, 2022 at 6:00pm to Monday, October 3, 2022 at 8:00am.

At times, we need to make these difficult decisions regarding our services. The team continues to actively recruit at a time when nursing shortages make this a significant challenge. I am grateful to the staff, physicians and volunteers who have continued to serve our community through such challenging times. We’ve all been under enormous pressure, and we will continue to remain Glengarry Strong.

Our communities are reminded to call 911 if you are experiencing Severe Shortness of Breath, Chest Pain, Severe Bleeding or periods of unconsciousness. Ambulances will be redirected to the Cornwall Community Hospital or the Hawkesbury & District General Hospital.

If you are experiencing less severe symptoms that still require immediate care, drive to a neighbouring Hospital.

In addition, if you are seeking medical advice call Health Connect Ontario (811) to be able to speak to a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Updates will be shared via our hospital website and social media platforms.