Hospital Construction Begins with Sod-Turning
Residents of Colchester East Hants are a step closer to a new hospital with a sod-turning event today, Oct. 9, at the site of the new Colchester Regional Hospital.
"A new hospital for Colchester East Hants is a major step on the road to improving health care for residents in this part of the province," said Premier Rodney MacDonald, who attended the event. "This project is one of the many ways we are working together toward better care that is available to Nova Scotia families when and where they need it."
When completed in 2011, the new hospital will better support the health programs that are offered in the regional hospital. Health-care workers can also look forward to a significant improvement in their work environment.
"This is a great day for area residents and health-care providers," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont. "In addition to this new hospital, we are building 213 new long-term care beds and replacing a nursing home in Colchester. For residents, this means better health care. For health-care providers, it makes our province more attractive."
In August, the province announced it would invest an additional $51-million to ensure the replacement of the Colchester Regional Hospital moves forward. Combined with the funds Colchester East Hants communities are raising, the total budget of the replacement project is $155 million.
"Our health-care teams and communities have been working hard for some time," said Peter MacKinnon, CEO, Colchester East Hants Health Authority. "We are pleased to be achieving this positive result through our partnership with government and the support of our communities."
Chris MacDougall, chair of the To Our Health Campaign added, "This campaign is about more than just building a hospital, it's about building a legacy of caring and support for the generations to follow. There's more to do yet, but I know how important health care is to everyone and I know that with the continued support of our community, we'll reach our goal."