Erie Shores HealthCare marked the opening of its newly renovated Discharge Lounge today with a ribbon-cutting at the hospital.

This dedicated space for patients was renovated with support from the Erie Shores Health Foundation to improve patient flow and create a more comfortable, private setting for patients who are medically ready to go home and awaiting next steps, such as transportation or final discharge arrangements.

The event also included an announcement of an additional $2.33 million in annual base funding for Erie Shores HealthCare.

“Our government is investing an additional $2.33 million in base funding to Erie Shores Healthcare, so people receive the right care, in the right place,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP, Essex. “That’s base funding, so that means Erie Shores will get that $2.33 million every single year.”

For 2025-26, the increase will help offset operating costs associated with current, patient-focused services, including the hospital’s Admission and Discharge Unit (ADU), which supports safer, more efficient transitions into and out of inpatient care.

In line with the provincial government’s Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the ADU represents an innovative and patient-centric advancement in healthcare that prioritizes making it easier for our residents to get faster and more connected care closer to home while reducing pressure on inpatient areas and the Emergency Department during peak demand periods.

The unit has already led to improved patient outcomes in 2025, including reduced waiting times and a shorter length of stay for patients.

While Erie Shores HealthCare has not had dedicated, ongoing funding specifically for the ADU to date, the hospital continues to work with provincial partners on long-term solutions to support healthcare across the region.