$3.1 million in renovations to the Emergency Department at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre are now complete. A Grand Opening to mark the occasion was held on Monday, with patients to begin admissions into the newly renovated space starting Sept. 3.

By rdnewsNOW staff

Enhanced Emergency Care

Renovations complete at Lacombe Emergency Department

Aug 26, 2019 | 12:57 PM

A major makeover of the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre emergency department (ED) is now complete; showcasing improved treatment spaces, a new waiting room, and barrier-free washrooms.

The enhanced ED – which will begin accepting patients on Sept. 3 – also offers additional enhancements that will benefit patients, families and staff by improving the visibility of patients in the waiting area from the triage desk, so staff can more easily monitor patients for changes in their conditions.

“Congratulations to all the staff, patients and families on the grand opening of Lacombe’s renovated emergency department,” said Tyler Shandro, Alberta’s Minister of Health, in a press release. “Thanks also to Lacombe Health Trust and all the donors for their generous contribution. This project will ensure people in and around Lacombe who need emergency services, will receive the best care possible in a modern facility that keeps them healthy and safe.

“We are making important investments in hospitals and health facilities across Alberta, and will continue to work with AHS to make sure money is spent wisely on projects that put patients front and centre,” added Shandro.

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“Coming to an emergency department is usually stressful, so I’m pleased these renovations create an environment where people can be as comfortable as possible when they come here,” said AHS President and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu. “I’d like to thank the Lacombe Health Trust for supporting this important project and improving healthcare in this community.”

The $3.1 million project which includes new nursing stations, improved infection prevention and control measures, and improved lighting – was led by Alberta Health Services (AHS), in partnership with the Lacombe Health Trust.

AHS contributed $1.8 million for construction, project design and consulting engineering, funded through the Government of Alberta’s Infrastructure Maintenance Program (IMP).

“We are so proud to share this incredible new space with our community,” exclaimed Kimberley Sommerville, site manager at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre. “This work will help ensure we’re able to deliver the best care possible in a safe environment for years to come.”

The Lacombe Health Trust pledged $1.3 million towards the project for new equipment and construction costs. A donor recognition display will be installed in the ED waiting room to highlight individuals and businesses in the community that have contributed to the trust.

“Foundations and trusts make a significant impact on health delivery in so many ways,” continued Sommerville. “We cannot thank the Lacombe Health Trust and its generous donors enough for their dedication and commitment to raising funds for this project.”

The Lacombe Health Trust funded a feasibility study in 2015 to help improve patient flow in the emergency department, with monies raised at its annual charity golf tournament.

A large part of the trust’s pledge for the ED renovation will come from a major contribution from the Mary C. Moore estate, along with the trust’s previous fundraising events and activities, and community donations.

“Today we are sharing one of the incredible ways that our donors have transformed healthcare in Lacombe,” explained Jim Dixon Jr., Board Chair of the Lacombe Health Trust. “We are proud of the Lacombe Health Trust’s ability to bring meaningful and visible changes to this facility, and are very excited for the physicians, nurses and other staff to start using this wonderful ED that they helped design.”

About 24,000 visits are made to the Lacombe ED each year. The facility provides services for about 25,000 people living in Lacombe and surrounding areas.

(With files from Alberta Health Services)