Because our health care depends on it...

• Our current, outdated facilities and equipment
  are not suitable for the requirements of modern Emergency Care, Diagnostic Imaging and Surgery
  • impede our ability to attract and retain health care professionals
  • are not designed to deal with new realities (I.e. threats posed by infectious diseases like SARS)
• The movement of physicians between two sites adds extra cost & takes valuable time away from patient care
• Aging population will result in growth in patient volumes

• Focuses investment on new construction housing most highly used services & high tech components while minimizing investment in existing space
  • New wing (88,000 sq. ft.) - Diagnostic Imaging Dept, Emergency Room and new Surgical Suite (200,000 patient visits a year)
  • Renovations (48,000 sq.ft.) in Obstetrics, Mental Health unit, ICCU, Ambulatory Care and to house the Dialysis Unit
• Uses the modern 100 beds in the 15-year old Janet MacDonell pavilion
• Product of input from 19 design teams that include physicians and hospital staff
• Allows for future expansion

• Gives health care workers up to date facilities needed to provide modern medical care
• Increases capacity to deal with higher patient volumes reducing line ups and delays
• Reduces pressure on the ER with the addition of more in-patient beds
• Provides enhanced infection control

• Improves our ability to attract doctors, nurses and technicians

• Reduces overhead with an expected $2.5 million in savings annually

“A region that loses its local hospital may be losing its best chance for economic rebirth.” David Foote Boom Bust & Echo, 1996

• In addition to essential health care services, hospitals provide jobs and income
• Hospital is largest employer in the community - 1,100 employees
• Hospitals are important factor in community’s ability to attract new residents, businesses and investments
• Canadians are unlikely to relocate to a community that lacks a strong hospital

• The Province requires a strong message of support from the community
• Our timely action will be the driving force behind government’s commitment and timely action
• Time to act now - every day of delay puts the solution farther into the future