(Photo: AHS)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Three-phase hospital renovations continue

Renovated Stettler emergency department opens Monday

Jun 23, 2021 | 11:52 AM

Alberta Heath Services says patients, staff and physicians will benefit from a larger, upgraded emergency department (ER) at the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre when the reconfigured space reopens Monday, June 28.

The enhanced ER at the AHS facility opens its doors following a major renovation project that began in March of last year, with the goal of enhancing visibility, accessibility, privacy, security and workflow.

New treatment chairs in the ER space at the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre. (Photo: AHS)

“These improvements to the emergency department will improve the quality of care for people in and around Stettler,” says Health Minister Tyler Shandro. “The Alberta government’s commitment to projects like these ensures those who need emergency services receive the best care possible, in a modern space that keeps them healthy and safe. The support of the Stettler Health Services Foundation is a reminder that this hospital truly belongs to the people of Stettler.”

The ER renovations are part of a multi-year, $9.3 million renovation project slated to be done by early next year, the funding for which comes from the province’s Infrastructure Maintenance Program.

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Renovations include:

• A new, larger space for improved patient flow

• A more secure and safe department for patients and staff

• A two-stretcher trauma room

• A new entrance to the ER

• Upgraded cardiac monitoring system

• Upgraded patient lifts

• Improved lighting

• Private physician consultation area

• More stretcher and treatment chairs.

waiting room (Photo: AHS)

This was the third phase of a renovation project that began in 2019. The first phase included the building of a new pharmacy and gift shop and modified cafeteria. The next phase included a Labour and Delivery reconfiguration enabling mothers and their partners to stay in the same space for labour, delivery and postpartum care for the duration of their stay, with more privacy and comfort.

“This is an important milestone for this AHS project and for the community,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, AHS President and CEO. “This new space will provide a safer, more secure and accessible ER dedicated to exemplary patient care in Stettler.”

The final piece of the project is a new nutrition and food services area, which will include a new cafeteria attached to a more efficient kitchen and upgraded equipment. Ground work is complete, construction will resume in two weeks and anticipated completion is February 2022.

“I am grateful for the work that’s been achieved, appreciative for the foundation and the community for their generous support of this project, and to staff, physicians and volunteers for the care they provide to Stettler and area residents,” says Nate Horner, MLA for Drumheller-Stettler.

The Stettler Health Services Foundation has raised a total of $650,000 to support all phases of the renovation project.

“Our foundation is very committed to our hospital, and we are extremely grateful it holds the same priority among our community,” says Chair Leona Thorogood. “Through a number of events such as the Festival of Lights, and through the generosity of community members, we have raised funds to purchase a variety of equipment for the ER and to support healthcare delivery in our region.”

A new entrance has been created for more direct access to emergency care. The new emergency entrance will be available 24/7 for patients requiring emergency care. After 8 p.m. individuals will have to be buzzed in for increased security.

The main entrance will be open for all other services and visitation from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Afterhours, patients and families will have to use the emergency entrance.

The ambulance bay, which was temporarily relocated during construction, is back in use at its historical location. It can be used by any patient that arrives by vehicle and requires urgent and immediate assistance.

new stretchers (photo: AHS)

(With file from AHS media release)