The planning team for the new East Prince Health Facility has received preliminary approval regarding the size of the new facility, and the services it will offer.
"The same range of services currently provided by the Prince County Hospital will continue to be provided at the new facility," said Katherine Kelly, East Prince Health Board Chair. "Several other regional services are also being considered for relocation, for example Community Mental Health, Public Health Nursing, Diabetes Programming , Speech Language Pathology, and Home Care Liaison. The co-delivery of these services with hospital services will enhance integrated service delivery and one-stop-shopping at the new facility."
Kay Lewis, Chief Planning Officer, advised that the IPR Consulting Group recommended that the new facility contain 102 to 105 inpatient beds, as well as some observation/stabilization beds. "This recommendation is based on an extensive 'bottom up' consultation process which involved more than 275 people including physicians, staff, and community members. The bed numbers are based on current utilization data, future population projections and best practice models," she said. "We are pleased that Cabinet has given us direction to proceed with planning, based on these numbers."
Space is also being planned for the enhancement of wellness services, for example a health resource centre, patient education areas, and meeting space for staff and community organizations.
Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover advised that the exact size of the facility will be determined when the functional plan is complete in late August. "However, we expect that the new facility will be approximately 25 per cent larger than the existing Prince County Hospital," she said.
Minister Dover also advised that the decision whether or not to pursue a partnership with the private sector is expected later this summer, following the completion of the evaluation process presently underway. Five evaluation teams are now evaluating the submissions received. The evaluation teams consist of representatives from Government, East Prince Health, municipal and community organizations.
East Prince Health Board Chair Katherine Kelly noted that the public is invited to provide ideas for a name for the new facility. Those interested in making a submission should call the facility planning office at 432-2890.
For more information, contact Rod Stanley, East Prince Health, (902) 888-8026 or Jean Doherty, Dept. of Health and Social Services, (902) 368-6257.