New Ambulatory Assessment Area named in tribute to Erik and Birthe Andersen
The Andersen Ambulatory Assessment Area – Zone 7 at the Brantford General Hospital has been officially named in recognition of Erik Andersen (1922 – 2009) and Birthe Andersen (1931 – 2023) for their many years of generosity and support to the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation.
As part of the Emergency Department (ED) Renovation Improvement Project at the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), construction of a new Ambulatory Assessment Area – Zone 7 is well underway to provide enhanced emergency care to our growing community.
While the area is not scheduled to open to patients until late summer 2025, the BCHS Foundation was thrilled to recently host a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating donors Erik and Birthe Andersen and their significant contributions. In recognition of their extraordinary support, the space will be officially named the “Andersen Ambulatory Assessment Area – Zone 7”.
Erik and Birthe immigrated from Denmark to Canada in the1950s. Together, they led full and active lives, cherishing family, travelling, and enjoying their beloved property filled with beautiful views, nature and wildlife.
Erik and Birthe were devoted to their precious daughters Elizabeth and Esther, both lost tragically young to cystic fibrosis. Surrounded by love, their family circle was filled with relations as far as the United States and Denmark. They enjoyed a very special bond with their nieces and nephew who lived nearby, and life-long friendships with neighbours.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on June 12th, 2025 to officially name the “Andersen Ambulatory Assessment Area – Zone 7”, part of the renovated Emergency Department at the BGH. Members of the donor family (centre) joined the BCHS Foundation and BCHS leadership to unveil the new signage.
Throughout their lives, the Andersen’s were dedicated to making their community and world a better place. Their ongoing philanthropic efforts benefitted Cystic Fibrosis Canada, a cause very dear to their hearts, along with Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation and numerous other local charities.
“Erik and Birthe Andersen’s transformative donation leaves an incredible legacy that will benefit community healthcare for generations to come” says Kari Wilson, Executive Director of the BCHS Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for this tremendous gift to benefit emergency care at the BCHS.”
The opening of the new Andersen Ambulatory Assessment Area – Zone 7 will mark a significant milestone for both BCHS patients and staff. This modern, strategically designed area will improve patient flow, accessibility, and overall patient experience. The ED team are well-positioned and eager to occupy and begin delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in the new space.
“We are proud to name this space the Andersen Ambulatory Assessment Area – Zone 7 in honour of Erik and Birthe Andersen” remarks Bonnie Camm, President and CEO of the BCHS. “None of this would be possible without their extraordinary generosity. On behalf of the Brant Community Healthcare System, we thank them – for their vision, their commitment, and their belief in better healthcare for all.”
Members of the donor family unveil the dedication plaque for the Andersen Ambulatory Assessment Area-Zone 7 in recognition of Erik and Birthe’s transformative gift.
All About the Andersen Ambulatory Assessment Area
This new space will expand the Brantford General Hospital (BGH) Emergency Department (ED) by approximately 2,200 square feet. The new total ED footprint will be just over 25,000 square feet at the completion of the Emergency Department Renovation Improvement Project.
Key features of the new Ambulatory Assessment Area – Zone 7 include:
- 6 single-patient treatment rooms
- 6 treatment chairs/recliners
- 1 treatment room for minor procedures
- New equipment and furnishings
- More comfortable seating in the waiting area
- Improved accessibility features for people with disabilities
- A dedicated, child-friendly waiting space for young patients