Board members of Prairie North Regional Health Authority were given an overview of the recently announced Lloydminster Hospital Emergency Department renovation project and introduction of a mammography suite and service at a regular board meeting Nov. 24 in North Battleford.
Project Architect Charles Olfert explained the core of the project is redevelopment of the hospital's front entranceway to allow for the majority of the other improvements the project entails. Enclosing of the current entranceway will add about 3,500 square feet of additional inside space and will be among the first work to begin.
The entranceway redevelopment will be the most visible change for the public, as improvements are made to the admitting and emergency room triage and waiting areas of the hospital. A new fast track area for ER patients will be added, along with an improved waiting area, an isolation room treatment space, a psychiatric ER room and a quiet room for families. The aim is to improve patient access and reduce patient wait times in ER, and improve the work space for physicians and staff. Other elements for the project will greatly improve patient confidentiality and security for all patients, visitors, staff and physicians.
Construction Manager Justin Young with Bexson Construction explained the overall project will proceed in six phases, starting now and targeted for completion at the end of October 2011. The total construction cost is expected to be $2.3 million. The remainder of the total $3 million in funding from Saskatchewan ($1 million), Alberta ($1 million), and the Lloydminister Region Health Foundation ($1 million) will be used for equipment - primarily for the new digital mammography suite.
PNHR vice-president of Development and Operations Lionel Chabot asked for patience and co-operation from everyone using Lloydminster Hospital during the construction period. He pointed out challenges will occur and PNHR will work with the project team to minimize disruptions and keep health care providers and the public informed.
CEO David Fan noted the project will help resolve the most urgent and critical issues with Lloydminster Hospital, and will become part of the facility's overall expansion and redevelopment in the long term. He said he is hopeful commitment will come in the near future from Saskatchewan and Alberta for the much-needed major expansion and rejuvenation of Lloydminster Hospital.
