For Immediate Release
New Model of Care Coming to Almonte General Hospital
(February 25, 2015 - Almonte, Ontario) Almonte General Hospital (AGH) is implementing a new model
of care with the introduction of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) to its team of health care
professionals in the Complex Continuing Care unit.
This innovation in care is in keeping with best practices in health services. It also assists in meeting the
Hospital’s obligation to operate in a fiscally responsible manner in challenging times.
AGH is implementing a new more efficient model of caring for patients. Keeping the well-being of
patients and staff at the forefront, AGH is adding 11 PSWs (five full time and six part time) to the
Rosamond Unit. This is being done after carefully considering the care needs of the patient population
and the admission criteria to the unit. Staffing in the Medical/Surgical unit is also being adjusted to
reflect the ebbs and flows of unit occupancy. Both of these changes will result in a reduction of 10 RPNs
on the units.
AGH is working closely with the union to ensure the collective agreement is respected and followed. In
accordance with the collective agreement retirement and voluntary exits are being offered before any
layoff notices are issued.
“We are proud of the safe, high quality care that our patients and residents receive.” said Mary Wilson
Trider, AGH’s President & CEO. “In this fiscal climate, the challenge is finding ways to live within our
means while ensuring quality and safety are always at the forefront of the patient and staff experience.
Embracing the addition of PSWs is in line with that”.
Having PSWs on as members of the care team will allow RNs and RPNs at AGH to provide care to
patients at their full scope of practice. Adding PSWs to the staff mix will enable AGH to more effectively
and appropriately use the expertise of staff. This multi-disciplinary model of care will take full advantage
of the unique training and skill sets of RNs, RPNs and PSWs working together fostering collaboration,
cooperation and teamwork.
The Almonte General Hospital is a 52-bed acute/complex continuing care hospital serving Mississippi
Mills (Almonte, Pakenham and Ramsay), Arnprior, Carleton Place, the City of Ottawa and surrounding
townships. The Hospital provides emergency and acute care, and runs the regional obstetrical, complex
continuing care and day hospital programs. The Hospital also operates Fairview Manor, a 112-bed longterm care facility whose residents are drawn from Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place, Beckwith, Lanark
Highlands and the western part of the City of Ottawa. The Almonte General Hospital and Fairview
Manor provide safe and quality programs and services, at one location, close to home.
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For additional information:
Mary Wilson Trider
President & CEO
Almonte General Hospital
613-256-2514, ext. 2220
mwilsontrider@agh-fvm.com
Visit www.almontegeneral.com