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Region lays foundation for improved access and increased capacity
Saskatoon’s riverbank view has a new addition in 2009, as the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health rises steadily from the ground at Royal University Hospital. The building is only one example of several health care construction and transformation projects currently underway.
“Saskatoon Health Region is undertaking a $140-million redevelopment of infrastructure, major building additions and renovations with support from the Ministry of Health, Foundations and others,” says Andrew Wagner, the Region’s director of capital construction and project management. “The projects will expand current care levels and improve access to services,” he adds.
The new mental health facility – which will accommodate 54 adult and 10 adolescent beds - is expected to open in spring 2010. Also on the horizon is the Humboldt District Health Complex, a long anticipated 80,000 square foot facility that will meet acute and community health care needs of rural residents in the Region. The facility is slated to open in fall 2010.
“Many of our other rural facilities will also receive infrastructure money to repair and replace roofs, generators, nurse calls, sprinklers and fire protection systems,” adds Wagner.
A new MRI suite at RUH opened in 2009. St. Paul’s Hospital celebrated a similar milestone this year, launching a new MRI service in November. Other upcoming projects include an 89-bed addition at Oliver Lodge and expansion of Calder Centre’s drug and addictions services, both of which will go to tender in 2009.
Craig Ayers, Saskatoon Health Region’s director of capital planning, says the Region is also developing a comprehensive master facility plan for its three acute care sites.
“The master plan for RUH will be finalized prior to March, and will include further planning for a maternal and children’s hospital within a hospital concept,” says Ayers. The plan also includes improvements to ground floor areas including emergency, surgical suite and critical care units, all of which will support increased capacity and surgical volumes in the Region.
Saskatoon Health Region’s construction projects and facility master plans are designed to address a number of challenges for health care in the city and province, including changing demographics, increased long term care needs, and related human resources and infrastructure needs to 2021 and beyond.
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