Emergency department renovations complete

Improved infrastructure offers expanded, modernized treatment areas

WAINWRIGHT – Residents of Wainwright and surrounding areas will benefit from enhanced access to emergency care and improved privacy now that emergency department (ED) renovations are complete at the Wainwright Health Centre.

The renovations added a second trauma room as well as a dedicated procedure room for casting and day procedures. The ED’s patient waiting area has doubled in size, providing more space for patient comfort, as well as expanded supply and equipment storage space. The new ED also has three larger examination rooms.

“We’re very pleased people and families in and around Wainwright have access to a more spacious emergency department with larger exam rooms and a second room for treating trauma patients,” says Sarah Hoffman, Alberta’s Minister of Health.

“Our government is committed to fighting for the priorities of Albertans – like ensuring that patients have the best possible healthcare services and healthcare spaces. Budget 2018 earmarked $131 million for maintenance and renovation projects of healthcare facilities to ensure Albertans have a healthcare system they can depend on.”

“The extra space will not only provide greater privacy for patients but improve safety for everyone visiting or working in the ED,” adds Jamie Malone, AHS area manager for Wainwright. “We know getting to this point has taken some time and we want to express our sincere appreciation to residents and staff for their patience throughout the renovations.”

Construction began in spring 2017. Nearly 50 patients are seen daily in Wainwright’s ED.

“This has been a large-scale project and we are pleased to announce its completion,” says Sherie Allen, Senior Operating Officer, AHS Central Zone-North. “These important renovations will help ensure AHS is not only meeting the needs of patients now, but in the future as well.”

The project also involved the construction of a new, larger ambulance bay that provides additional storage space for EMS supplies and equipment, and ensures larger ambulances can fit inside.

Led by AHS Capital Management, the $3.65-million project was 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.

Through generous community donors, the Wainwright and District Community Health (WDCH) Foundation also provided support to the project, including the purchase of specialized equipment such as an advanced monitoring system and ventilator for the ED.

"The Wainwright Health Centre is generously supported by this community,” says Deanna Waddell, Fundraising Chair, WDCH Foundation. “The Wainwright and District Community Health Foundation is pleased to provide these funds for this state of the art equipment to enhance the outstanding Emergency Department renovation."

“We are incredibly grateful to the foundation and its donors for their dedication and commitment toward raising funds for this project,” says Allen.

“Through donations raised at their annual gala, we have improved accessibility and efficiency in our trauma rooms, and added new top-of-the-line equipment that assists us in providing the best care possible.”

With renovations now complete, facility access will return to the following:

Main doors - weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays)
Emergency department doors: - seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Nursing / security staff will provide ED access outside of these hours.

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.