EDMONTON — Recently completed renovations at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) are expected to improve the patient experience by providing for improved patient privacy and additional safety in the emergency department.
The remodelled entry, triage, admission, security, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and waiting room areas open to patients tomorrow at 7 a.m.
To improve patient comfort, Wi-Fi and phone charging stations have been added, there is a new area for patients being transferred by EMS, and a new family room is being relocated from the busy entrance to a more private location.
The new layout also contributes to improved comfort and privacy. Rather than standing at a window to be triaged when entering the department, patients will be asked to sit down with staff in an area that protects their privacy. Patients will also complete triage and registration at the same time rather than separately.
The renovations are also designed to reduce unauthorized traffic flow through the department.
“The safety and security of our patients are a priority,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, AHS President and CEO.
“We are inclusive of everyone,” adds Carol Manson-Mcleod, Executive Director of Emergency in the Edmonton Zone, “and we want everyone who walks through our doors to feel safe and welcomed, and to receive quality care.”
The $3.85-million project was funded by the Government of Alberta’s Infrastructure Maintenance Program.
“These renovations at the Royal Alexandra emergency department provide greater comfort and privacy to patients and their families at a time when they need it,” says Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health. “This is one example of how our government is investing in long-neglected repairs and upgrades at Alberta health care facilities with our commitment to accessible, patient-focused, quality health care delivery.”
Best practices from hospitals across Canada were followed in the design of the renovated space.
Renovations began last November and will be completed in four phases. The final phase, including the opening of the new family room, will be complete by the end of this year. While construction was underway, the department remained fully functional by temporarily relocating some emergency department services within the existing space.
The RAH Women’s Auxiliary provided $60,000 for waiting room furniture and staff task chairs.
The RAH Foundation invested $30,000 for quiet room furniture and tile mosaic pillars, created by local artist Theodora Harasymiw.
The department was built in 1993 and the last renovations were completed 12 years ago.
The RAH emergency department is one of the busiest in Edmonton, typically seeing about 220 patients each day. The staff and physicians serve the local inner-city community, the greater Edmonton area, and central and northern Alberta.
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.
- 30 -
For media inquiries, contact:
Shelly Willsey
AHS Communications
780-394-0905
