**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Government Invests in IWK Emergency Department Expansion
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Government’s commitment to double the size of the emergency department at the IWK Health Centre – the Maritime region’s leading health-care and research centre dedicated to the well-being of women, children, youth and families – will soon move to the next phase.
A design development and feasibility study for the project has been completed, and a tender for a construction manager is expected this spring. Government will invest about $100 million over the next four years to redevelop the emergency department to meet current and future demands.
“Children and families from across the Maritimes depend on the IWK Health Centre emergency department when they need urgent or specialized care,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “This expansion will mean a larger, more modern emergency department for our health professionals so they can continue to provide high-quality care to their patients.”
The redevelopment will help address the increase in patients, better address complex cases and mental health concerns and encourage more innovation among care providers.
When the construction manager is engaged later in the year, they will work with the province and the consultant to develop the schedule for subsequent tenders.
Quotes:
“We at the IWK are thrilled that the government is investing in the health and well-being of Nova Scotia children, youth and families with the construction of a new IWK emergency department. This redevelopment will allow our physicians and staff to deliver care in a world-class environment designed to best meet the needs of the patients and families we serve.”
– Dr. Krista Jangaard, president and CEO, IWK Health
Quick Facts:
— over the last five years, there has been a 17.5 per cent increase in patient visits to the IWK emergency department
— government invested $1.4 million in the design development phase, conducted by William Nycum and Associates
Additional Resources:
IWK Health Centre: http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/
