New emergency department entrance opens Jan. 8

MEDICINE HAT — Medicine Hat Regional Hospital will officially begin using its new emergency department doors at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

The new entrance is located off 6 Ave S.W. Public parking and patient drop-off will be available outside of the emergency department’s main doors.

The opening of this new entrance marks the completion of Phase 2 in a three-phase emergency department renovation and expansion, which adds more than 600 square metres of floor space. As well, Phase 2 features three new treatment spaces, which brings the total to 27. All treatment spaces are now enclosed by glass doors, to give patients a sense of privacy while enhancing their care.

The current entrance will be closed off to the public permanently on Jan. 8 as renovations move into the final Phase 3, due for completion by fall. This is the first major renovation to the emergency department since its opening in 1984.

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.