New Emergency and Trauma Centre

A bigger and better equipped emergency and trauma centre that will improve access to care at the Halifax Infirmary site of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre will soon open to patients.

The name of the centre was announced today, May 20. It is called the Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre, in honour of the late Mr. Keating's generous donation to the QEII Foundation. It is scheduled to open for patients on June 24.

It will be the largest of its kind in Atlantic Canada and will boast several new features including better infectious disease control, a mental health suite, more ambulance bays, heightened security, and X-ray and diagnostic equipment. It will also provide more space for staff and greater privacy for patients and families.

"This new emergency and trauma centre will make a huge difference in the quality of care provided to people in Capital Health and from across Nova Scotia," said Premier Rodney MacDonald.

"For two years now, we at Capital Health have been striving to transform ourselves into a world-leading haven of people-centred health, healing and learning," said Chris Power, president and CEO, Capital District Health Authority.

"Today, we are marking a significant milestone in that transformation, with the naming of this new $20.4 million emergency and trauma centre at the QEII Health Sciences Centre."

Constance Glube, chair of the QEII Foundation, offered her thanks to the donors who helped make the project possible.

"The building we stand in today would not have been possible without the generosity and vision of our many donors, like the late Charles Keating and his family and friends, who realize the inherent value of investing in our health-care system.

"And if this wonderful facility represents the future vision of emergency medicine, we can thank the Keating family, all our donors and our partnership with government for bringing it to reality."