Renovations to CMH’s Emergency Department Mental Health Safe Rooms, including the addition of a third Safe Room, have expanded capacity for safe, specialized care for those experiencing a mental health crisis.
Patients experiencing a mental health or addiction-related crisis now have access to enhanced care spaces at Cambridge Memorial Hospital following renovations to two Emergency Department Mental Health Safe Rooms and the addition of a third Safe Room. The project was supported by a $300,000 contribution from the City of Cambridge through the City’s 2026 fiscal budget.
The specialized Safe Rooms are helping our hospital to respond to the growing need for mental health services in the community and provide increased safety for all patients, visitors and staff in the Emergency Department.
“Mental health crises affect families across our community, including my own,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “Having helped loved ones navigate these situations, I know that access to safe, appropriate care in those critical moments can make a meaningful difference. We are proud to continue working with Cambridge Memorial Hospital and the Foundation to strengthen the care available in Cambridge and to make investments that help our people when they need it most.”
CMH’s Safe Rooms were designed with both the care and safety of our patients and staff in mind.
Patients experiencing mental health emergencies no longer need to wait in the general Emergency Department waiting area and can instead be seen by a specialist in the Safe Rooms to support their needs. This helps patients move more quickly into a secure, appropriate environment. The rooms also feature soothing elements, such as ceiling murals, that help reinforce to patients that they are in a safe and supportive environment, especially when patients experience intense and distressing crisis.
With mental health-related visits to CMH doubling last year, the need for dedicated spaces to support patients experiencing a crisis remains a priority. CMH’s Mental Health Department provides care to more than 19,000 patients each year, highlighting the ongoing need for specialized mental health support in the community.
“The City of Cambridge has been a longstanding champion of our community hospital and has helped make transformational improvements at CMH. We are thankful to Mayor Jan Liggett, the Council and the residents of Cambridge for their investment in enhancing mental health care at CMH. The addition of a third Safe Room in our Emergency Department is helping our staff respond to the increasing mental health needs in our community. The new room and expanded space provide patients experiencing a mental health or addiction-related crisis with a dedicated space for specialized care, while improving the experience and safety of everyone who relies on our Emergency Department,” said Lisa Short, President and CEO, CMH Foundation.
CMH continues to work closely with the Waterloo Regional Police and other community partners to support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Police now access CMH’s Emergency Bay entrance, allowing patients to be brought directly to Safe Rooms through a private route. Regular, proactive communication between CMH and our community partners are helping ensure our patients receive timely and coordinated care.
The support of the City and residents of Cambridge is acknowledged with a plaque near the Emergency Mental Health Safe Rooms, honouring their commitment to strengthening local healthcare.
The impact of our new Emergency Mental Health enhancements extends beyond the physical space. They reflect an important step toward ensuring people experiencing a mental health or addiction-related crisis can rely on their local hospital for exceptional care in a safe environment, close to home.
Together, we make it possible.
About Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation
Community dollars fund 100% of the equipment and technology at CMH for both new and replacement equipment. CMH Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring our technologically advanced hospital continues to have the tools to provide the best healthcare close to home. cmhfoundation.ca
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For media inquiries contact:
Kavya Nair
Communications & Donor Engagement Officer
Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation
519-621-2333 ext. 3411
[email protected]