Renovation of local emergency department progresses

Next phase of work temporary affects one treatment room

WAINWRIGHT – As construction continues on a new ambulance bay and expanded emergency department at the Wainwright Health Centre, the next phase of work is set to begin inside the emergency department itself, which may result in longer than anticipated wait times for some patients.

Beginning January 2, contractors will begin work on the creation of a new hallway from the ambulance bay into the emergency department. This will require one of the four treatment rooms in the emergency department to be taken out of service for about one week.

Patients presenting to the emergency department during this time will continue to receive care. Patients with urgent needs will receive care urgently, while those with less urgent health concerns may experience longer than usual wait times. Every effort will be made to minimize the disruption to patients.

Patients with non-urgent health concerns may choose to access other health services during this time, including family physicians, walk-in clinics, the Primary Care Network or access advice from registered nurses by calling Health Link at 811.

Once this phase of work is complete, three new examination spaces will be brought online in the emergency department, which will increase the site’s capacity to see more patients at one time.

This $3.65-million renovation 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 Alberta Health Services (AHS) is strategically investing in the health system to support patients and communities to stay healthy and manage illness effectively.

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.