Health Authority, government announce architects for South Shore Regional Hospital renovations
Plans to modernize South
Shore Regional Hospital are moving forward.
Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and The Government of Nova Scotia announced Friday that exp. Architects Inc. will lead the design of the multi-year, multimillion dollar-renovation and addition at South Shore Regional Hospital.
“We are committed to ensuring Nova Scotians have access to the best care possible, in the best facilities we can offer,” said Minister Mark Furey, MLA for Lunenburg West. “As a result of this project, staff and physicians can continue to deliver excellent care to patients and families on the South Shore for generations to come.”
The project includes renovating and expanding the emergency department, endoscopy unit and day surgery unit, as well as the addition of a 12-seat dialysis unit. These changes will allow more people to be treated in a more comfortable, private environment and improve infection prevention and control. As part of this work, a third elevator was added to the hospital last fall in order to increase safety and improve patient flow and transfers.
“The complexity and delivery of health care has changed a lot since this hospital was designed and built more than 30 years ago,” said Dr. Greg Mcnally, chief of South Shore Regional Hospital’s emergency department. “Our patients and their families, along with staff and physicians, will benefit from new, bigger and more modern spaces. This will help ensure care is patient-centred and streamlined with improved layout and workflow.”
Many physicians and staff have dedicated time over the past year to complete detailed planning for this project which identifies current and projected patient volumes, room requirements and workflow. The design consultants will now determine what services should be near each other to provide safe, efficient patient care.
“This is an important milestone for this project and we’re excited to be working with exp Architects to get ready for the redevelopment at SSRH,” said Health Services director and health system leader Robert Zwicker. “Our teams are focused on developing and designing spaces that promote health and healing; support the ongoing delivery of high quality care and services to our community; and will continue to place an emphasis on best practices for all of our patients.”
South Shore Regional Hospital opened in 1988. It has 85 inpatient beds, including medical, surgical, intensive care, obstetrics and mental health units.