Quinte Health hosted a sneak peek of the the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital last week.
Through interactive displays, conversations with Quinte Health team members and project partners, and a live architectural model-building demonstration, the almost 100 attendees explored how the new PECMH is taking shape at the fall PECMH Community Update.
Architectural partner HDR brought the building plans to life, inviting participants to help assemble a model replica of the new hospital, piece by piece. Dr. Norma Charriere was also on hand to answer questions about what the new hospital will mean for patients and patient care, while members of the Quinte Health redevelopment team shared details about the building’s many features, including interior design elements thoughtfully selected to create welcoming, comfortable spaces that support healing.
From inpatient rooms with private bathrooms and natural light to innovative features such as geothermal systems and mass timber construction, the event highlighted the thoughtful planning behind a modern, sustainable hospital designed with patients, families and care teams in mind.
“This hospital has always belonged to the community it serves,” said Stacey Daub, President and CEO of Quinte Health. “Seeing so many people come together to learn about its future was a powerful reminder that the new PECMH isn’t simply being built for this community, it’s being built with the community. And that’s something we can all be proud of.”
The event also gave community members an opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives and hear from the teams involved in preparing a new hospital for opening day—from the building itself to the people, equipment, technology and systems needed to deliver care safely.
John Whyte, a Lions Club member and local resident for 13 years, was excited to learn about the current stage of the project. “This was actually an eye-opener for me,” he said. “You tend to think about the building, the architects, and the construction, but you don’t always think about all the staff and community members who have become involved so passionately. It’s a whole community coming together to do something great.”
Picton resident Nancy White was also excited to hear an update on the project. “I’ve been following it very closely, especially the innovative aspects, but it’s wonderful to be able to come here, meet some of the people involved, ask questions, and learn more about what’s happening,” she said. “And it’s exciting to share that experience with our neighbours.”
Attendees also learned about enhanced diagnostic imaging services, including a new mammography machine and the County’s first CT scanner, bringing more advanced diagnostic capabilities closer to home.
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation was also on hand to share how its Back the Build campaign is helping support the community’s share of the new hospital and essential medical equipment.
“This is more than a construction project. It’s an extraordinary community achievement,” said Shannon Coull, Executive Director of the PECMH Foundation. “It’s a lasting legacy of care, compassion and commitment to one another. And while there is still work ahead, we are closer than ever to the day when the doors of our new hospital open, and this community can see the impact of its generosity firsthand. To every donor, volunteer, community partner, business, event organizer and advocate who has helped get us to this moment—thank you!”
Construction of the new PECMH continues to make progress, and attendees had an opportunity to learn more about how the building is taking shape.
Work is advancing across the building as crews begin bringing interior spaces to life—drywall, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling and other essential systems continue to be put in place. Exterior siding is also being installed, offering the first glimpses of the building’s finished look. The future patient rooms, hallways and clinical spaces are becoming more recognizable as construction moves forward.
