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

The Montreal Children's hospitalcompleted 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.SaleemRazack, a pediatric specialistwho 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 movingpatients tothe new facility by ambulance at 7 a.m.The final patient was transferred a little after 11 a.m., hours aheadof schedule,MUHCspokespersonRichardFaheysaid.

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

The patientswere taken by ambulance, one by oneevery three minutes,in the company of a nurse and often a parent.

In extreme cases, a physician orrespiratory specialist was also aboard.

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

He said one particular momentstood out early inan emotional day, when a youngboy arrived at the new hospital.

"Whenhe saw a hoardof people welcoming him at the new Glen site, he started smiling," Faheysaid.

"So that was a good moment this morning."

Fahey said18 ambulances and 675 staff and volunteers helpedwith the move.

Benot Garneau, a spokespersonforUrgences-Sant, said itwas"a big challenge" but that health-care workershad been preparing for the job for weeks.

Police assist with traffic

Police controlled traffic along the route from the old building at2300TupperSt. to the superhospital,but streets weren't closed to other vehicles.

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

Avoid newER if possibleuntil May 25

The emergency room at the old hospital closed at 5 a.m.,and at that same time,the doors to thenew ERwereopened 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 ERuntil May 25.

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

They will transitionto the site over the course of several months.

The moveinto the new MUHC is billed as the "biggestin Canada."

What'smoving from the Children's?

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

The Children's Dentistry Department will not be moving.

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