Construction is underway on Phase One of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) redevelopment, Premier Robert Ghiz and Health Minister Doug Currie announced today at a sod turning event at the QEH.
“This is an extremely exciting day for the QEH and for all Islanders,” says Premier Ghiz. “We’ll now start to see the results of all the hard work that’s been taking place behind the scenes. Today marks another significant stride in our continued commitment to make improvements to the Island healthcare system.”
Current work on the project is the first part of Phase One and will focus on a new and expanded Emergency Department, as well as essential repairs and upgrades to support areas including Supply, Processing and Distribution (SPD), Materials Management and Laundry Services. It will also include an addition to the Cancer Treatment Centre to house a new linear accelerator.
“The new Emergency Department will reduce wait times and ease pressures in the ER, and the additional support services will help improve efficiencies in the flow of hospital services,” said Minister Currie. “The enhancements will result in considerable benefits to patients and QEH staff.”
It is important for the public to be aware that during construction there will be significant changes in parking, traffic flow and access to the emergency department. Traffic controllers, signs and direction markers will be put in place at the QEH and the public will be further advised of these changes in the coming days.
This is the first major renovation to the province’s largest acute care facility and main referral hospital since it was built in the late seventies. The need for change was identified by hospital staff, physicians and government through an ongoing effort to improve the delivery of healthcare services to Islanders.
The estimated capital cost of this first stage of Phase One of the project is $24 million. The overall cost of Phase One Redevelopment is $56 million, which will be implemented in three separate stages. Stage two will focus on Ambulatory Care and stage three will focus on Day Surgery.
Expected completion of this first stage of Phase One is spring 2010.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Why is redevelopment happening at the QEH?
The redevelopment project is the first major renovation to the province’s largest acute care facility and main referral hospital since it was built in the late seventies. The need for change was identified by hospital staff, physicians and government through an ongoing effort to improve the delivery of healthcare services to Islanders. Changes through renovation and additional infrastructure are required in order to ensure services are delivered efficiently now, and in the future.
What is included in this first part of Phase One?
Current work on the project is the first part of Phase One and will focus on five areas:
• New and expanded Emergency Department
• Upgrades to Supply, Processing and Distribution (SPD)
• Upgrades to Materials Management
• Upgrades to Laundry Services
• An addition to the Cancer Treatment Centre to house a new linear accelerator
When will construction start and how long will it last?
Construction for the first part of phase one is already underway and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2010.
Will work take place on all five focus areas at the same time?
Work is underway on the Emergency Department, SPD, Materials Management, and Laundry. Design work for the Cancer Treatment Centre is currently underway and construction is expected to begin soon.
What will be the square footage of the expanded areas?
• The new Emergency Department will be 22,079 sq. ft.
• The redeveloped laundry facility will be 7,262 sq. ft.
• The Materials Management Department will be 10,163 sq. ft.
• The Supply, Processing and Distribution Department will be 10,812 sq. ft.
• The expanded Cancer Treatment Centre will be 4,700 sq. ft.
Where will the new Emergency Department be located?
It will be located adjacent to the current Emergency Department on the north west corner of the existing hospital.
What else is included in Phase One?
Phase One will be implemented in three separate parts, or stages. Stage two will focus on Ambulatory Care and stage three will focus on Day Surgery.
When will stage two and three begin?
Stage two is scheduled to begin in 2010 and stage three in 2012. Planning for stage two and three has been underway for five years.
How were the priorities determined for Phase One?
Hospital Planners determined that the seven key areas of Phase One were the priority for this stage of redevelopment with consideration given to the fact that this is a long-term project over two phases. The plan is to have redevelopment continue over the next 15 years.
How much will the project cost?
The estimated capital cost of this first stage of Phase One of the project is $24 million. The overall cost of Phase One including stage one, two and three is $56 million.
Will there be additional staffing and equipment needs?
Yes, there will be a need for some additional staff and that has been factored into the planning. The equipment needs are being addressed by the QEH Foundation.
What can the public expect when they go to the QEH during construction?
It is important for the public to be aware that there will be significant changes in parking, traffic flow and access to the emergency department. Traffic controllers, signs and direction markers will be put in place at the QEH. For safety purposes, patients and the public should proceed with caution and carefully follow signs and directions.
Which parking lots will be affected and will there be enough parking space for patients, staff and the public?
All parking lots will be affected. The staff parking lot at the north side of the hospital was expanded to accommodate the need for additional parking.
Will services at the QEH be affected during construction?
No, there will be no impact on services during construction.