Together, We Build: PECMH Team Spotlight Featuring Haley Van Allen
At Quinte Health’s Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH), care has always come with heart—even when space, flow, and resources have been limited. With the new PECMH on the horizon, the same compassionate care will continue—supported by a modern space designed to enhance the patient and care team experience.
For Haley Van Allen, Registered Nurse and Clinical Scholar at PECMH, the new hospital represents more than just a building. It’s about creating a space that finally matches the care, dedication, and resilience of the team inside it—and the community it serves.
“The current inpatient unit has been reworked many times and doesn’t flow quite right. Room numbers are not straightforward, and bathrooms and rooms are quite small—especially for people using wheelchairs—it just isn’t where it needs to be.” But change is coming, and it’s bringing new hope.
Haley is passionate about the accessibility enhancements in the new hospital. “It may seem like a small thing, but every patient room having its own bathroom is a huge deal. It means safer care, more dignity, and less anxiety for everyone involved. Having accessible spaces in the new PECMH also means we won’t be shimmying through narrow hallways with people who are already vulnerable.”
One of the things Haley is most excited about is the long-awaited CT scanner. “The CT scanner is going to be a game changer. Right now, we have to send patients—sometimes with one of our nurses—to Belleville for imaging. That leaves us short-staffed for hours. It’s hard on patients and on staff, and delays care for everyone else waiting here. Having that diagnostic tool on-site will transform what we can do—and how fast we can do it.”
Working in a small, close-knit team comes with challenges but also a deep sense of pride, demonstrating one of Quinte Health’s core values—We all Make a Difference. Haley knows this new space will only strengthen the tight bonds among the team. “It’s like a puzzle. We’ve all had our own pieces to play in it. Every one of us has a role—big or small—and together, we’re creating something incredible. Now, seeing it come to life has been so interesting and exciting. And once it’s built, we’ll learn and grow into it together.
Beyond the walls, Haley sees the new PECMH as a promise to the community. “This place means something to the people of Prince Edward County. The support from the community has been amazing. And now, we’re building something that gives back. Something beautiful, advanced, welcoming.”
Learn more about the new PECMH build.
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