Healthcare in Mississippi Mills
Since the Almonte General Hospital’s opening in 1961, healthcare services have continued to grow and improve in Mississippi Mills. Almonte has a solid foundation of bringing practicing doctors into the community, a foundation that now serves all the villages and towns of Mississippi Mills.
The community has attracted many caring and dedicated physicians over the years, one of whom is Dr. Christiane Deschenes.
Dr. Christiane Deschenes, 2021
Dr. Deschenes’ 40-year medical career in Almonte has been a time of healthcare innovations, from the opening of the 26-bed Rosamond Wing, a complex care unit at the Almonte General Hospital, to renovations of the hospital and expansion of long-term care at Fairview Manor.
Dr. Deschenes also served three terms as Chief of Staff at Almonte General Hospital and Fairview Manor.
A New Doctor in Town
Almonte Gazette article announcing that Dr. Christiane Deschenes has joined the Almonte General Hospital staff, 1981
Dr. Deschenes was born in Montreal and graduated from medical school at Université de Montréal. Arriving in Almonte in 1981, she became the town’s fourth doctor at the time. As Almonte’s first female physician, her practice quickly built up. She was also on staff at the Almonte General Hospital.
Dr. Deschenes reflects on her experience in obstetrics.
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Dr. Christiane Deschenes on the cover of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, October 15, 1994
As a family doctor who looked after patients from birth to end of life, the continuity of care is a principle Dr. Deschenes cares deeply about.
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Dr. Deschenes cared for patients for four decades until she retired from her practice in 2020. In this clip, she discusses her medical career in Almonte.
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Ottawa Valley Family Health Team
Until 2012, family doctors in Almonte each had their own individual offices. When Dr. Deschenes first hung out her shingle, her office was on Water Street, across from the Almonte Old Town Hall. In 1996, the practice moved to 79 Spring Street into the building where the Health Unit is now located.
Following the formation of the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team in 2012, a new clinic opened in town. Today, a team of practitioners – including physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, pharmacists, registered nurses, and a dietician – provides collaborative care for the community.
The Almonte Hospital Today
The Almonte General is now a 52-bed facility. It features an emergency department, acute care department, obstetrical department, complex continuing care department, and day hospital programs.
In June 2002, it was decided that a new building for Fairview Manor, a 112-bed long-term care facility, would be developed beside the hospital. Today, the Manor and the hospital are attached by a hallway, making it easier for patients, doctors, and visitors to go between the buildings. Fairview Manor offers a beauty salon, laundry service, therapeutic pet visits, and a range of recreational activities.