Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, community hospital ERs tend to be less busy during mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday). If your condition is not immediately life-threatening, visiting during these periods may result in shorter wait times.
Busier times: Without historical data, specific busy periods cannot be confirmed for CPDMH. As a general guide, Monday mornings, evenings after family physician offices close (typically after 5 p.m.), and weekend afternoons tend to be busier at community ERs across Ontario. Statutory holidays may also see higher volumes.
About Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital
The Thomas Cavanagh Emergency Department at Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) is a brand-new 11,000 sq. ft. facility that opened in January 2025, serving the residents of Carleton Place and the surrounding Lanark County communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a community acute care hospital, CPDMH provides a broad range of emergency and inpatient services without requiring a referral, though patients with complex specialized needs such as cardiac emergencies, major trauma, or neurology may be stabilized and transferred to a larger regional centre like The Ottawa Hospital. CPDMH is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada, reflecting its commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care close to home.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department (Thomas Cavanagh ED), Triage and acute care assessment, Major trauma and decontamination room, Ambulance bay with barrier-free access, Diagnostic imaging, Laboratory services, Medical/surgical inpatient unit, Obstetrical unit, Perioperative services, Ambulatory care clinics, Complex continuing care, Day hospital, Dietitian services, Occupational therapy, Medical assistance in dying (MAID).
Amenities
On-site cafeteria and food services
Natural light in all 11 treatment rooms for patient comfort
Barrier-free accessible entrances throughout
Elevator and stair access connecting new ED to original hospital
Hospital foundation and active volunteer/auxiliary program
The new Thomas Cavanagh Emergency Department opened in January 2025 — it is a standalone single-storey building connected to the original hospital, so follow signage to the new ED entrance upon arrival.
Bring a debit or credit card for ER lot parking, as the gated ER parking area is card-only; coins are accepted only in the front visitor and staff lots.
CPDMH is a community hospital — if you are experiencing a potential stroke, heart attack, or major trauma and are able to choose, calling 911 ensures paramedics can route you to the most appropriate facility.
For non-life-threatening concerns, checking real-time wait times before leaving home can help you plan your visit and reduce time spent waiting.
CPDMH is part of the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) alongside Almonte General Hospital — if you have a condition that requires follow-up care, ask staff about services available across both sites.
What to Bring
Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Ontario health card (OHIP card)
List of current medications including dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical records or recent test results
Personal health insurance or supplemental benefit card if applicable
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer, as waiting areas can be cool
Snacks, a phone charger, and entertainment for potential wait times
Parking
Parking is available on site at a flat rate of $5 for a full 24-hour period. The ER lot uses a gated, card-only payment system, while the staff and front visitor lots use coin-based payment machines. An additional parking lot northwest of the building was built to accommodate increased patient and family volumes. The facility and all entrances are fully accessible. Verify current rates directly with the hospital as pricing is subject to change.
Getting There
Carleton Place does not have an extensive local transit network and no specific public transit routes to CPDMH have been confirmed. Patients are advised to check with the Town of Carleton Place or Lanark County for available community transportation options. The hospital is located near the intersection of Neelin St and Park Ave for navigation reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thomas Cavanagh Emergency Department?
The Thomas Cavanagh Emergency Department is the brand-new 11,000 sq. ft. emergency facility at Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital, which had its grand opening on January 27, 2025. It features 11 private treatment rooms with natural light, a dedicated triage area, a central nurse and physician station with line-of-sight to all rooms, and a new ambulance bay with a major trauma and decontamination room — all connected to the original hospital building.
Does CPDMH have a trauma centre or cardiac care unit?
CPDMH does not hold a designated trauma level, cardiac, stroke, or pediatric specialty designation. It is a community acute care hospital that stabilizes and treats a wide range of emergencies. Patients requiring advanced specialized care — such as major cardiac intervention, neurosurgery, or high-level trauma — may be transferred to a larger regional facility such as The Ottawa Hospital.
Do I need a referral to visit the CPDMH Emergency Department?
No referral is needed. Anyone requiring emergency health care can walk into the CPDMH Emergency Department 24/7 without a referral from a physician or other provider.
How much does parking cost at Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital?
Parking at CPDMH is available at a flat rate of $5 for a full 24-hour period. The ER lot is gated and requires a debit or credit card for payment. The front visitor and staff parking lots accept coin payments. An additional lot northwest of the new ED building is also available. It is recommended to confirm current rates with the hospital directly, as pricing may change.
What hospital network does CPDMH belong to?
CPDMH is part of the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA), which operates two hospitals — Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital and Almonte General Hospital — under one shared mission to improve community health and provide care close to home in the Lanark County region.
Is Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital accredited?
Yes. CPDMH holds Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada, which is the highest level of recognition under Accreditation Canada's national quality and safety standards. This reflects the hospital's commitment to safe, high-quality, patient-centred care.
Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.
Wait times are estimates based on Ontario health data. Actual wait times may vary.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.