A major step forward has been taken in the provision of acute emergency care for Islanders, Premier Ghiz and Health and Wellness Minister Carolyn Bertram announced today during a celebration to mark the upcoming opening of the new Emergency Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).
“This is an extremely exciting day for the staff and administration of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital,” said Premier Ghiz. “Today marks another significant step forward in our continued commitment to improving our health care system for Islanders. The changes taking place here at the QEH through renovation and new infrastructure will assist with the provision of quality health care now and in the future.”
The QEH Redevelopment Project is the first major renovation to the facility since it was built in the seventies. The construction of a new Emergency Department is part of Stage 1 of the first phase of the Redevelopment Project. The new department is approximately 23,000 sq. ft. and has 37 patient care rooms compared to the existing department which is 8,200 sq. ft. and has 19 patient care rooms.
“The new spacious Emergency Department at the QEH will continue to enhance our ability to provide quality acute and emergency care,” said Minister Bertram. “Patient care needs have evolved since this facility was originally built and we have to ensure that our health care system is flexible and able to adapt to those changing needs. This new department, along with additional staff and support services, will result in significant benefits for patients.”
On average, the Emergency Department will treat 47,000 patients every year. Government has committed additional funding to increase the complement of staff in the expanded department to more fully meet Islander’s needs for emergency care at the QEH.
“It is important that staff and patients are provided with an environment that has the necessary amenities to assist in the enhanced access and provision of emergency services in an acute care setting,” said Rick Adams, Executive Director of the QEH. “This facility will help reduce pressures in the ER provide for improvements in patient confidentiality, comfort and safety.”
The new Emergency Department also includes two critical care resuscitation rooms, one large trauma rooms, a large waiting room, a satellite Diagnostic Imaging Suite (X-ray), future space for a CT Scan. The new ambulance bay can accommodate up to four ambulances at one time.
In addition to construction of a new Emergency Department, Stage 1 of the first phase of the QEH Redevelopment Project also includes major renovations and relocation of the Laundry Services, Supply, Processing and Distribution (SPD) and Materials Management departments. Estimated capital costs of this first stage is $24 million, of which the new Emergency Department is estimated at $16 million.
The new Emergency Department is expected to be operational by the end of June. Hospital officials will notify the public as to when they are to go to the new department for emergency care. Until then, Islanders should continue to seek emergency medical care in the current Emergency Department.
Questions & Answers
New Emergency Department at QEH Getting Ready to Open
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 stage 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 and relocation of Supply, Processing and Distribution (SPD) Department
• Upgrades and relocation of Materials Management
• Upgrades and relocation of Laundry Services
• An addition to the Cancer Treatment Centre to house a new linear accelerator
When will of the construction of this first stage be completed?
Stage 1 is expected to be completed by the fall of 2010.
How much larger is the new Emergency Department compared to the current Emergency Department?
The current Emergency Department is approximately 8,200 sq. ft. and features 19 patient care rooms. The new Emergency Department is approximately 23,000 sq. ft. and features 37 patient care rooms, including a large trauma room and 2 critical care rooms
What else does the new Emergency Department feature?
• Diagnostic Imaging Suite (x-ray)
• Future space for a CT Scan
• Ambulance bay that can accommodate up to four (4) of the largest ambulances with their doors open
Will there be additional staffing and equipment required?
Yes, there will be a need for additional staff and that has been factored into the planning. In this year’s budget, Government has committed additional dollars for the hiring of additional staff for the new Emergency Department at the QEH. The equipment needs are being addressed by the QEH Foundation.
What will become of the current Emergency Department once staff and patients have transitioned to the new Emergency Department?
The current Emergency Department will be redeveloped as part of Stage 3 of the first phase of redevelopment and focuses on Day Surgery.
What are the costs of constructing the new Emergency Department?
The estimated capital cost of Stage 1 of the first phase is $24 million, of which the new Emergency Department is estimated at $16 million.
When is the new Emergency Department expected to be operational to treat patients?
The new Emergency Department will be operational by the end of June. Hospital officials will notify the public as to when they are to go to the new department for emergency care. Until then, Islanders should continue to seek emergency medical care in the current Emergency Department.
What else is included in Phase One?
Phase One will be implemented in three separate parts, or stages. Stage 2 will focus on Ambulatory Care and Stage 3 will focus on Day Surgery.
When will stage two and three begin?
Stage 2 currently under construction and expected to be open in early 2012. Stage 3 planning us currently underway and with construction expected to begin in 2012.