Cambridge Memorial Hospital Outlines Growth Plans for Next Decade

Cambridge Memorial Hospital is setting ambitious plans for growth over the next decade, expanding its inpatient services and ambulatory care to better serve the community. During a presentation at the All Councils meeting in Elmira on March 15, 2024, hospital President and CEO Patrick Gaskin addressed local mayors and councillors from the Waterloo Region, sharing a vision for the facility’s future.

Gaskin highlighted the upcoming completion of the hospital’s capital redevelopment project in 2025, describing it as a significant milestone in the hospital’s evolution. “We have essentially a brand new hospital,” he stated. Despite this progress, he emphasized that “we’re not done,” indicating further developments are on the horizon.

Future Development Plans

The hospital’s future projects include the demolition of wings C and D, which house some of the oldest parts of the facility. Gaskin plans to present these future plans to the council, alongside a comprehensive strategy for expanding services offered at the hospital. This expansion will require a Local Share Plan, mandated by the Ministry of Health, which details how the hospital and local governments will jointly fund 25% of the construction and development costs.

While Gaskin noted that they are still in the early stages of estimating the costs associated with these developments, he assured that the plans will encompass enhanced inpatient services and a broader array of ambulatory care options. Additionally, a new parking structure is planned to replace the existing parking lot, which Gaskin believes will improve accessibility for patients and visitors alike.

“Ten years out, I would see redevelopment at Cambridge Memorial essential as we continue to grow with the community,” Gaskin remarked, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to adapting to the needs of the region.

The All Councils meeting commenced at 14:00 in the Woolwich Township council chambers, providing a platform for local leaders to engage with the hospital’s administration on these critical developments. With the healthcare landscape continually evolving, Cambridge Memorial Hospital’s proactive approach positions it to remain an integral part of the community for years to come.