More Hospital Beds Made Available in Capital Health Area

Starting today, April 5, more patients who need hospital beds in Halifax will get them as 21 more spaces open on the transitional unit in Capital Health for patients waiting for long-term care placement.

"This is another step forward in our plan to help ease the pressure on hospital wait times and emergency overcrowding in Capital health district," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "The transition unit is more suitable for the people who should be in long-term care, while we plan for more continuing care beds in the community."

In the 10 Point Plan for Capital Health issued in January 2004, the Department of Health stated its plans to open additional permanent long-term care beds in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

While planning continues for permanent space, the department agreed to temporarily fund 21 additional beds in the transitional care unit on 4B of the Centennial Building at the QEII site.

"Work began immediately to put the equipment and staffing in place to accommodate these patients," said Capital Health CEO, Donald Ford. "Staff have worked tirelessly over the past few months to get ready for this day so we can better serve all our patients."

The location of the permanent long-term beds will be announced in the next several weeks.