Construction continues at Medicine Hat’s hospital

Significant construction activity has been taking place near the entrance to the old part of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

A transformation is scheduled for the emergency department (ED) and what will later become the new entrance, near the original entrance to the atrium area of the hospital, is the scene of some activity currently.

Upgrades to sewer and sanitation infrastructure is now complete, said a spokesperson for Alberta Infrastructure. Paving work has started and completion depends on weather conditions.

The new entrance to the ED will probably only be introduced next winter or in spring 2019.

“Until then, the new entrance will serve as construction access during the phased Emergency Department renovation,” said a spokesperson.

In the meantime construction continues on a number of aspects for the department. The administration area should be completed and operational next month, said a spokesperson.

The old endoscopy unit and part of the health records areas have already been relocated so demolition of that area can begin, said the spokesperson. This will provide the space required for a new electrical and data room to support the emergency department renovations.

Phase two of the work will begin in winter 2018 with selective demolition to the diagnostic imaging department making way for the new emergency department.