BRIDGEWATER - The province is funding an estimated $2 million elevator specific to patient emergency room transfers at the South Shore Regional Hospital in an effort to tighten safety and privacy requirements.

 The Dexter government also committed to spending $1.5 million to help the 23-year-old hospital pay for third-party engineering and architectural costs of a design plan for what will be a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation at the Glen Allan Drive health centre.

 "It's an expensive undertaking," said Alice Leverman, South Shore Health's chief executive officer.

 Lunenburg West MLA and Health Department ministerial assistant Gary Ramey announced both the new elevator and design money during a November 22 news conference at the Bridgewater hospital.

 There are currently two elevators used by both the public and hospital patients. On occasion one or both elevators have had "issues," the CEO said later, that have required temporary shutdowns of the units.

 The new elevator is expected to be operational by April 2013. Ms Leverman said the elevator is something the health district will proceed with "right away" separate from the other changes destined for the emergency room.

 Patients will appreciate the confidentiality provided by the hospital's new platform, Mr. Ramey said.

 "Most of us have been on the elevator when these folks are being moved around. It's not a time in your life when you're anxious to see a complete stranger standing there looking at you."

 The province expects the larger-scale renovations will enhance patient flow, improve the hospital's layout and reduce overcrowding. It means services such as the intensive care unit and diagnostic imaging are moving closer to the emergency room. The assessment scheme for seniors and mental health patients will also change. A covered ambulance bay and a decontamination area are also part of the variations. The project includes a physical expansion of the hospital. But there's no specific timetable for when the renovation and expansion work will take place.

 Dr. Greg McNally, who used to be in charge of the emergency department, suggested to the news conference that the changes are about comfort for patients and staff.

 "If you look at the space we have now for the population of visits that come through the [emergency department], by today's infection control workplace and safety standards, we're at one-third the space we need so we're really crunched for space."

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 The province's funding commitment is part of the Dexter government's overall capital plan aimed at emergency rooms, schools, roads and hospital equipment.

posted on 11/30/11