Renovation plans for the Emergency Department at the Kings County Memorial Hospital are now moving to the next phase of development. With the planning and architectural designing complete, the hospital’s planning committee is now preparing to accept submissions from local contractors.
“While the Kings County Memorial Hospital provides many Islanders with the much-needed healthcare services, the current facility is 36 years old and in need of modernization,” said Doug Currie, Minister of Health. “Upgrades to the facility include an expansion of three additional examination rooms as well as a redesigned nursing station.”
In addition to extra exam rooms, a negative pressure room will be added to ensure infection control and prevent cross-contamination. Plans for the emergency department are designed to help the hospital achieve national standards, as determined by the Canadian Triage Acuity Scale.
“Renovations to the emergency department will make it easier for us to better accommodate patient flow,” said Jean Fallis, Administrator at the Kings County Memorial Hospital. “The redesigned nursing station will allow our staff to monitor patients in the waiting room, and any changes in their conditions.”
Construction is anticipated to begin in February of this year. Island residents, in need of care at the Hospital should be aware that the emergency room will be temporarily relocated to another area in the hospital. Once construction is underway, the public will be informed of where they should go for emergency treatment during this time.