Montreal Children's move to new MUHC superhospital went 'very well'

The Montreal Children's hospital completed its move to the new Glen site of the McGill University Health Centre on Sunday, with 66 patients transported to the new superhospital by ambulance.

"For us, it went very well," Dr. Saleem Razack, a pediatric specialist who worked at the old building for 25 years, told reporters after the move was complete.

"We tried to be very prepared and I think we had a good result."

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Staff began moving patients to the new facility by ambulance at 7 a.m. The final patient was transferred a little after 11 a.m., hours ahead of schedule, MUHC spokesperson Richard Fahey said.​

We tried to be very prepared and I think we had a good result,- Dr. Saleem Razack

The patients were taken by ambulance, one by one every three minutes, in the company of a nurse and often a parent.

In extreme cases, a physician or respiratory specialist was also aboard. 

The MUHC had originally anticipated moving about 90 patients, but Fahey said staff worked to discharge those who didn't need to be transferred in order to minimize risk.

He said one particular moment stood out early in an emotional day, when a young boy arrived at the new hospital.

"When he saw a hoard of people welcoming him at the new Glen site, he started smiling," Fahey said.

"So that was a good moment this morning."

Fahey said 18 ambulances and 675 staff and volunteers helped with the move.

Benoît Garneau, a spokesperson for Urgences-Santé, said it was "a big challenge" but that health-care workers had been preparing for the job for weeks.

Police assist with traffic

Police controlled traffic along the route from the old building at 2300 Tupper St. to the superhospital, but streets weren't closed to other vehicles.

Last month's move from the Royal Victoria hospital, the first institution to transition into the new Glen site, was completed without incident several hours ahead of schedule.

Avoid new ER if possible until May 25

The emergency room at the old hospital closed at 5 a.m., and at that same time, the doors to the new ER were opened to the public.

The first patient arrived at the new emergency room at 6:14 a.m., Fahey said.

Unless a child's condition is truly urgent, MUHC authorities have asked families to avoid the new ER until May 25.  

The new Glen site brings together six different health care facilities.

They will transition to the site over the course of several months.

The move into the new MUHC is billed as the "biggest in Canada." 

What's moving from the Children's?

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Psychiatric
• Surgical
• Medical
• Pediatric
• Neonatal

The Children's Dentistry Department will not be moving.

For more information, click here.

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