Redesign of New Cumberland County Hospital Complete

Residents of Cumberland County will benefit from a new full- service hospital that meets the project budget. Health Minister Jamie Muir unveiled the revised plans for the new acute care facility in Amherst today, reiterating government's commitment to construct the much-needed facility.

In sharing the plans with health care workers and residents the minister highlighted the importance of targeting valuable health care resources where they will have the most direct benefit for patients.

"Decreased federal funding and increased demands have created great challenges in health care," said Mr. Muir. "Improved planning and more accountable spending will result in better care for Nova Scotians."

A full range of services will be provided at the new facility including surgical, obstetrical, internal medicine, a 24-hour emergency department, inpatient care, ambulatory care, diagnostics, administration and ancillary services.

"It is very exciting to finally have the go-ahead to proceed with the new regional hospital," said Dr. Ginette Gagne-Koch, site manager of Highland View Regional Hospital and a member of the redesign committee. "This facility will play a large part in facilitating the continued provision of high quality health care services to the people of Cumberland County."

In 1998 the department booked $45 million in funding based on an estimate from the Northern Regional Health Board. When the initial budget request was submitted the estimated cost had risen to $54 million. There appeared to be many aspects of the design which incurred cost to the project without directly enhancing patient care services.

As a result, a committee consisting of representatives of Highland View Regional Hospital administrative and medical staff, the Northern Regional Health Board, Department of Health and the architectural firm, William Nycum and Associates, was struck to develop and submit a design. This committee was asked to bring the project within an appropriate cost without compromising the mix of clinical services. The new plans were approved by government in April.

Among the changes to the plans are:

• Removal of office space for public health, mental health services, Home Care Nova Scotia and addiction services. These services will be provided through other community settings.

• Based on present utilization data, the number of ICU beds will not be increased to 10. However, the current complement of five will be increased to seven with capacity for future additions should volume increase.

• Third party will be sought to own and operate a separate building for Emergency Medical Care and RCMP.

• Reduction of project and equipment contingency costs. As the actual start date for the project draws nearer, costs can be better estimated.

• Reduction of designated computer training space and computer storage space.

• Redesign of the ambulance bay.

Mr. Muir pointed out that the $45 million facility will be the most significant building construction project in the history of Cumberland County.

"This is good news for the people of Cumberland County and all Nova Scotians," said the minister. "We've made certain that this facility will meet the acute care needs of area residents and that it comes with a cost we can all afford."

Construction is expected to get underway this summer, with a scheduled opening of fall 2002.