Premier Pat Binns today announced the approval of a $47 million Phase 1 Redevelopment of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The announcement confirms government’s authorization to proceed with the functional programming stage which will lay the groundwork for architectural design and construction. The Premier revealed preliminary floor and site plans for the QEH during the announcement.
Premier Binns said, “This announcement marks approval for the critical first phase of this long-term project and is designed to meet the most pressing needs of the QEH and its client populations as determined by staff, physicians and volunteers. It is another example of government’s continued and increasing investment in health services for Islanders.”
The approved $47 million expenditure for Phase 1 includes the initial design and construction of a new QEH Emergency Department and Ambulatory Care Centre and improvements to Day Surgery and associated support services. The Functional Program will be developed over the next year, with input from staff and physicians at the hospital. Construction is expected to commence in 2007.
The QEH Redevelopment project is designed to be implemented in two phases, with the first stage being developed over the next eight years and the second stage of redevelopment extending into fifteen years.
Numerous hospital user groups have been meeting and working with hospital planning consultants over the past year to develop the first stage to this project known as the Master Program and Master Plan. This stage resulted in a broad planning proposal which identified needs over the next 15 years and covers the key areas of focus for the redevelopment project.
Phase One focuses on investments in the Emergency Department, Ambulatory Care, Day Surgery, as well as essential upgrades to support areas such as Laundry and Supply, Processing, and Distribution. The redevelopment of the facility will help reduce the growth in demand for inpatient beds that otherwise would have occurred. Investments also aim to assist with reducing Emergency Department wait times and the wait times for some surgeries.
Chester Gillan, Minister of Health noted, “The Queen Elizabeth Hospital was designed as an acute care facility in the late 1970s. Since that time, major changes have taken place with approaches to inpatient and outpatient care procedures. There is also an aging population, and there are emerging trends in best practice health care delivery. Baby boomers are approaching the age where health requirements will result in increased demands on healthcare services. We need to meet this demand in the most efficient and effective way.”
Gail Shea, Minister of Transportation and Public Works noted, “Hospital staff, physicians and government have identified the need for these changes to be addressed through renovations and additional infrastructure to the QEH facility.”
Minister Gillan added, “With an enhanced infrastructure and supports for improved ambulatory care day clinics and emergency services, there will be a reduced demand for inpatient beds and this will result in numerous benefits for Islanders.”
“The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the primary central referral hospital in PEI. I wish to recognize the hard work of staff, physicians, and volunteers at the QEH who have helped us reach this milestone today,” said Minister Gillan. “Those who deliver health services at the QEH will continue to be key partners in this redevelopment project.”