October 6, 2015
LETHBRIDGE – Patients needing the emergency department at Chinook Regional Hospital will start using a new entrance on Thursday, Oct. 8.
“We are excited to be reaching the home stretch with the emergency department renovations and opening the new entrance signals that achievement,” says Teri Myhre, senior operating officer for acute care (west) with Alberta Health Services (AHS).
“The first emergency department entrance had been in use since 1988, so this will be a big change for the community, but it’s a very positive change.”
The former entrance to the emergency department, along 19 St. S., will be permanently closed as the final phase of the emergency department renovation will convert that area into additional treatment space.
Starting Oct. 8, patients and visitors can gain quick access to the emergency department by entering the hospital grounds off 17 St. (just north of the auxiliary building) and drive to a new patient drop-off loop just outside emergency. Short-term parking is available close by or vehicles can be parked in the hospital parkade.
Signage around the hospital grounds will change to redirect vehicles and pedestrians to the new entrance. The ambulance bay and ramp off 17 St. will remain in use but will be closed to pedestrian traffic.
The $135-million redevelopment project at Chinook Regional Hospital includes a renovation and expansion of the emergency department, and that work is expected to be completed by next spring.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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