CMH celebrates completion of its historic capital redevelopment project

Fri, 01/10/2025 - 17:18


Ribbon Cutting 2025

Cambridge, Ontario – On Friday, January 10, Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH) proudly unveiled its newest patient care wing, marking the completion of a transformative, multi-year project that represents the single largest health care investment in Cambridge and North Dumfries history. The new facility, spanning almost 400,000 square feet of new construction and refurbished patient care space, makes it the most technologically advanced hospital in the region.

 

The grand opening ceremony brought together government, municipal and healthcare leaders, staff, volunteers, and community members to celebrate this milestone. Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lynn Woeller, Chair of the CMH Board of Directors shared, “This is more than just a building—it’s a promise to our community. It’s a space built for healing, connection, and growth, equipped with cutting-edge technology and designed with care and compassion at its core.”

 

Opening remarks by Premier Doug Ford, Region of Waterloo Chair Karen Redman, City of Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett and North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton spoke of the need for a strong health care system for our communities.

 

Prior to the ribbon being cut, Colleen Bulla, Chair of CMH’s Patient and Family Advisory Committee spoke about the hospital’s significance in her life. “For more than three decades, CMH has been there for my family across three generations. Today’s opening is a symbol of hope and potential—not just for my family but for everyone who will come here seeking care.”

 

As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony, six children that were born in the new Wing A patient care facility in 2020 signified the first generation that would benefit exclusively from the brand new hospital.

 

The remaining inpatients that are currently in the 1950’s era Wing C are slated to move into the Wing B complex the weekend of January 18. “January 20th will be the first time in 10 years that we will function as a complete hospital, “said Board Chair Woeller in her closing remarks.

 

Quick Facts

  • Expanded from 147 beds (2019) to 217 beds (2025) – 80% of which are single occupancy for enhanced infection control
  • Expanded Diagnostic Imaging Department with latest CT scanner, Fluoroscopy/X-ray and SPECT-CT scanners
  • Expanded Emergency Department to 40 stretchers (from 26 in 2019), including five specialty bays to bring specialists to the patient rather than sending them through the hospital (Ear, Nose & Throat; Mental Health; Ophthalmology; Gynecology; and Orthopaedics)
  • Expanded ICU to 14 beds, each with adjustable respiratory and nursing booms for maximum flexibility around the patient
  • Expanded Surgery with eight ORs, dedicated sterile corridor for equipment, booms and operating tables that adjust to the surgeon’s height; hi-tech lighting that “bend” light and do not cast shadows 
  • Expanded Birthing Unit, with private admission, dedicated OR for C-sections and its own post-anaesthetic care area. 
  • All inpatient units and the Emergency Department have negative pressure rooms. A sub-area of a Medicine Unit can be closed off and turned into a self-contained, six-room negative pressure unit in case of outbreak.
  • All units have overhead lifts making it safer for patient s and staff when getting into and out of bed.
  • Medicine/Rehab B3 Unit features multiple specialty rooms including an Activities of Daily Living room complete with mock kitchen, bathroom, laundry to help assess patients with day to day tasks before going home