What is the McGill University Health Centre's redevelopment project?
First and foremost, the MUHC's redevelopment project is about providing improved care to patients throughout the lifespan - from conception right through old age - in modern facilities that can accommodate advanced technology and support the hospital's outstanding teaching and research programs.
Specifically, the plan calls for the establishment of two patient-centred campuses of quality and prestige that will offer complementary services: the Mountain Campus and the Glen Campus. As much as possible, programs will be grouped together in a logical fashion. For example, all cancer care services will be housed in the same location. In keeping with the global trend towards increased outpatient care, which reduces the need for hospitalization, the Glen Campus will concentrate on ambulatory care as well as the MUHC's pediatric mission. New facilities to be built on this 43-acre site include a Cancer Care Centre, an Eye Institute, an Ambulatory Care Centre, and the Montreal Children's Hospital of the MUHC. The site will also be able to accommodate the Shriners Hospital.
The Mountain Campus, which currently encompasses the Montreal General, Royal Victoria, Montreal Chest and Montreal Neurological hospital sites, is in the process of being upgraded. Once renovations are finalized, this campus, to be based primarily at the MGH site, will house the MUHC's renowned trauma and emergency services, as well as programs that support trauma, such as orthopedics and neurosurgery.
The redevelopment of the MUHC will result in numerous benefits for patients, including:
Better infection control. The MUHC's new and renovated buildings will incorporate the latest ventilation systems and meet the highest infection control standards in terms of the use and sterilization of equipment and materials. There will be separate traffic areas for patients, visitors and supplies, so that patients do not share corridors with staff transporting laundry or refuse. To minimize the spread of infection, ample handwashing sinks will be provided for patients and staff alike, and the majority of patient rooms will have single beds.
Improved access to care and reduced waiting times. By grouping services along program lines, patients will no longer have to wander the halls in search of procedure rooms or travel great distances to receive the care they require. The philosophy of the MUHC is that patients should be treated as valued customers. This means, as much as possible, that patients should be seen on time, and that everything, from the registration process through treatment and follow-up, should be well coordinated and proceed as smoothly as possible. Upgraded information systems, an essential component of the MUHC's redevelopment plan, will help expedite record-keeping and timely access to patient data.
Spacious and comfortable facilities that are conducive to healing. Ambulatory care, including diagnostic services, clinics, treatment and procedure rooms, will be grouped together. For optimal patient comfort, the facilities will also feature spacious waiting rooms, accessible washrooms, and food services. Hospitalized patients will benefit from a greater number of single-patient rooms that will comfortably accommodate family members who wish to spend the night. Patients will be able to control the light and temperature in the rooms, and washrooms will be large enough to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and IV poles. As well, rooms will be fitted for basic treatment and diagnostic equipment so as to minimize the need to move patients around. Patient confidentiality will be enhanced with the addition of private consultation/meeting rooms.
Facilities that can easily accommodate sophisticated technology. The MUHC's redeveloped and newly constructed facilities will be designed to accommodate the increasingly sophisticated technology that has become essential to the practice of medicine. This structural design will be as flexible as possible, anticipating the evolution of technology and allowing for simple, cost-efficient expansion in the future.
Easy navigation within the sites. To help people reach their destination as quickly as possible, the layout of the new buildings will be straightforward, with ample and clear directional signs and interior landmarks.
Easy access and transportation to and between the sites. The Glen campus will be built on flat terrain located between two major highways. For those using public transportation, the Glen is connected to the Vendome transport hub that includes a metro station, commuter train stop and numerous bus routes. Extensive consultation will continue to take place between the MUHC, surrounding neighbourhoods, the government and transportation agencies to ensure that roadways and access routes are well planned, with a minimum of disruption.
