Investment Boosts Hospital, Health of Nova Scotians

The province is investing an additional $51 million to ensure the replacement of the Colchester Regional Hospital. The new hospital will be a significant milestone in improving health care for residents of Colchester East Hants.

"Additional funding is essential to the success of this key health initiative, and to improving health care in our province," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont. "Through this, and many other projects, we are working to help Nova Scotia's families get better care when, and where, they need it."

Combined with the funds Colchester East Hants communities are raising to fulfill cost-sharing requirements, the additional investment brings the total budget of the replacement project to $155 million.

"This project is critical to the health and well-being of those we serve, and we are thrilled that the government has been able to commit the additional funding needed to keep it moving," said Peter MacKinnon, CEO, Colchester East Hants Health Authority. "We are another step closer to a modern new facility that will allow us more space and resources to deliver quality services to our communities."

Once complete, the hospital will better support the health programs offered to area residents, give patients care that is better able to meet their needs and provide health-care workers a significant improvement in their work environment.

Approval for the replacement of the Colchester Regional Hospital was granted in 2005. Escalating costs in the construction industry caused estimates to increase significantly. The province and the Colchester East Hants Health Authority care team have worked together to find ways to maintain service delivery within the new budget.

The Colchester Regional Hospital replacement project is expected to be complete in 2011. Designs for the facility, as well as site clearing and site-preparation work, will be completed this fall.

As Nova Scotia sees increasing demand for health-care services, it is important that all Nova Scotians do their best to live healthier. Over time, a healthier population will cut down on health-care costs, reduce wait times and decrease incidences of chronic disease.