NEW GLASGOW –Two things have come up as key elements in health care recruitment and retention, says Nova Scotia Health Authority president and CEO Janet Knox – who people work with and what their workspace is like.
The health authority is happy to say the latter is now improved at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, where on Monday, Knox was joined by the Minister of Health and Wellness Randy Delorey and municipal leaders for the ribbon cutting at the Aberdeen Hospital’s new Emergency Department.
“The new emergency department at Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow reflects Nova Scotia Health Authority’s commitment to ensure emergency care is patient-centred and streamlined to help shorten wait times, improve patient flow, and emergency care for seniors,” Knox said.
“The department has an important role in the delivery of emergency care in this community and across the province.”
Construction of the $32-million project began in June 2015 and was completed on budget although the project took a bit longer than expected due to some unforeseen issues, Knox said.
The department will officially open on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 7 a.m. to people requiring emergency care.
“As a government, we’re thinking differently about how we deliver health care services across this province, from primary care to emergency services,” Delorey said. “This new department provides front line care providers with modern facilities that allow them to offer the best emergency care possible to their patients.”
The capital project was cost-shared by the province of Nova Scotia and the community. The community portion of $6.8 million was supported by a funding agreement with Pictou County’s six municipal units.
“The municipalities were pleased to collectively partner with Nova Scotia Health Authority and the Department of Health and Wellness to create this new and modern Emergency Department,” said New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks, on behalf of the municipalities.
“We recognize the importance of ensuring Pictou County residents have the services and programs available to improve their health and wellness.”
The new department features improved layout and workflow for emergency staff and physicians and health care providers.
There are private rooms for every patient to ensure privacy, confidentiality, reduced noise levels, and enhanced infection control, as well as designated treatment zones including a rapid assessment zone, isolation facilities, family room, public washrooms and all weather ambulance access.
“A clean bright space that has enough space for you to do the work well is very encouraging,” Knox said.
The next phase of the project will see the former emergency department space renovated into a space, which will consolidate pharmacy services.
The new pharmacy department will be much more efficient, said Knox and allow pharmacists to be near each other as they do their work.
