Renovation of local emergency department set to begin

WAINWRIGHT — Construction of a new ambulance bay and expanded emergency department at the Wainwright Health Centre will begin next week and is expected to be complete in late 2018.

Design work for the $3.65-million project was completed earlier this year. Staff, patients and visitors will start to notice on-site activity once fencing is up and construction equipment brought onsite.

“Projects like these help ensure we’re meeting the needs of patients now and in the future,” says Sherie Allen, Senior Operating Officer in the Central Zone (North) of Alberta Health Services (AHS). “It is also vital we keep our healthcare infrastructure up to date.”

“These emergency department improvements will give Wainwright residents greater access to the emergency care they need,” says Sarah Hoffman, Health Minister. “Our government is committed to making life better for every Albertan by protecting and strengthening patient care. This project is an example of how we’re doing just that.”

EMS will continue to have access to the existing ambulance bay while the new one is under construction. Crews will work to minimize impact to staff and patients during the construction, and efforts will be made to minimize any impacts on vehicle and pedestrian access, as well as parking.

Beginning April 10, the current emergency entrance will be closed and a temporary emergency entry will be accessible through the main health centre entrance. These access changes will be clearly marked around the exterior of the building.

“We recognize the temporary inconvenience construction creates,” says Allen. “We know that in the long run, these improvements will greatly benefit patients and staff.”

Alberta Health Services will update the community as the project progresses.

The project is being led by AHS Capital Management and funded through the Government of Alberta’s Infrastructure Maintenance Program. Taking into account the diverse needs of Albertans, the Government of Alberta and AHS is strategically investing in the health system to support patients and communities to stay healthy and manage illness effectively.

AHS maintains more than 450 facilities throughout the province, including hospitals, clinics, continuing care facilities, mental health facilities and community health sites.

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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