Enhancements Announced for South Shore hospitals

Residents of the South Shore will benefit from enhanced service delivery at South Shore Regional Hospital that will improve emergency room service as well as accommodate a satellite dialysis unit.

"This multi-million-dollar investment in the South Shore Regional Hospital will benefit all residents served by South Shore Health," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of Karen Casey, Minister of Health.

"Government recognizes the space challenges that exist in the current emergency room at South Shore Regional. This enhancement will make emergency visits more comfortable for patients and staff and improve patient flow."

The announcement coincides with work on South Shore Health's master plan. The early stages of this work include plans to add a satellite dialysis unit.

With the aging population and growing of chronic renal disease, the need for renal care is expected to increase. Studies on future demand for renal dialysis indicate that Bridgewater is an appropriate location for a satellite dialysis unit.

The Nova Scotia Renal Program is leading work with the three in-centre dialysis programs at Capital Health, Cape Breton Health and South West Health to develop a plan for enhancing satellite dialysis services in Nova Scotia.

The province is committed to providing equitable, quality care for renal patients, and allowing those with more complex renal health care needs to be treated closer to home, in a safe healthcare environment.

"This enhancement of service delivery at South Shore Regional Hospital is good news for the people of the South Shore," said Ms. Bolivar-Getson.

Ms. Bolivar-Getson also announced funding for design work on Queens General Hospital in Liverpool. The design work will enable the project to move forward.

"This is an exciting day for the people of Queens County," said Ms. Bolivar-Getson.