Inverness Hospital To Get Upgrades

Residents of Inverness and the surrounding area will have improved access to community health-care services as a result of an $11.5-million renovation project at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital.

Premier Rodney MacDonald and Health Minister Chris d'Entremont announced the renovation project today, May 1.

"Today's announcement is a significant primary health-care investment," said Premier MacDonald. "By bringing these services together under one roof, we will improve health care for families in this community."

As part of the $11.5-million investment, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital will be expanded to create a community health centre. The centre will include: physician and nurse practitioner offices as well as home care, addiction services, mental health, diabetes education and public health staff.

Renovations will also be made to the hospital to address the needs of day surgery patients and to allow adequate visiting clinic space. This project will allow for better use of space and more appropriate service delivery.

"These renovations will mean improved access to community health-care teams and will allow the Cape Breton District Health Authority to provide a broader range of services to patients," said Mr. d'Entremont. "As a result, residents will receive the most appropriate care, from the most appropriate provider, when and where they need it."

The renovation and expansion will enhance the delivery of health-care services throughout Inverness County.

"This is a significant project for the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital and the district," said Jim Merkley, the district's interim CEO. "We appreciate the province's support and commitment. The renovations and expansion will definitely help us to enhance the delivery of health programs and services to people throughout Inverness County and beyond. Our district covers a large geographic area and a diverse population. By maintaining and improving our hospitals through these types of projects, we also ensure the ongoing delivery of safe, quality health care."

This is a four-year project that will begin this year. The department will provide $8.6 million (75 per cent of the cost) and the health authority will provide $2.9 million (25 per cent).