HHHS Enhances Emergency Department Care Experience with New Mental Health and Patient Care Space

Dear Community,

Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) is pleased to announce the opening of a newly enhanced space within its Emergency Department designed to better support patients experiencing mental health crises while improving privacy, safety, and care delivery for all patients. Effective June 1, the new mental health space will provide patients in crisis with a safer, more private, and less stimulating environment. Previously, patients requiring mental health support were often cared for in a standard examination room that lacked both privacy and an environment optimized for those experiencing crisis.

“This new space reflects our commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centred care while ensuring every individual receives support in an environment designed to meet their needs,” said Chief Nursing Executive, Victoria Miscio. “These enhancements improve not only the patient experience, but also how our teams work together to provide safe, high-quality care.”

The project also introduces dedicated workspace for police partners, supporting stronger collaboration and providing improved visibility and documentation space when caring for patients requiring additional support. Additional enhancements include relocating patient chairs from hallway spaces into a repurposed area, creating increased privacy and confidentiality during physician assessments and patient interactions.

The project also expands stretcher capacity and standardizes patient care spaces, ensuring all stretcher areas now have consistent access to essential equipment including monitoring capabilities, suction, and oxygen. Previously, care teams were required to match patients to specific spaces based on equipment availability. These improvements were made possible entirely through donor support.

“We are deeply grateful to our donors whose generosity continues to transform healthcare close to home,” said Jack Hutchison. “Their support allows us to create spaces that improve both patient care and staff experience while strengthening the services available to our community.” HHHS extends its sincere thanks to all staff, partners, donors, and community members who contributed to bringing this important project to life.

Have questions or feedback? 
We love hearing from you. 
Please reach out to Lauren Ernst, Chief Communications Officer, anytime at lernst@hhhs.ca.