LETHBRIDGE – Southern Albertans will now have access to state-of-the-art health care. For the first time in 30 years, the Chinook Regional Hospital has gone through a massive expansion.
The $135-million redevelopment adds a new five-storey wing to the hospital and includes expansions to several departments, including day surgery and neonatal intensive care.
The wing also includes a new Ceremonial Room, which can serve people of various faiths. The room is ventilated to allow burning of sacred plants in First Nations ceremonies.
The redevelopment includes a $9-million renovation to the emergency department and there is now 30 per cent more floor space available for additional treatment rooms, specialized rooms for eye injuries and gynecology, and a rapid assessment waiting room.
“The Lethbridge area will greatly benefit from this addition, which includes a new wing and greater access to critical care, outpatient surgeries and specialized treatments,” Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said. “I am pleased to be here in the community to help celebrate today’s grand opening.”
This is the first renovation for the emergency department since 1988.
The new ER will have 12 acute treatment rooms, eight rapid assessment treatment spaces, two psychiatric secure rooms, two large trauma rooms, and two negative-pressure isolation rooms.
There are two specialized treatment rooms for eye injuries and gynecology. There are two waiting rooms, a main waiting room and a rapid assessment waiting room.
A new entry has been created on the north side of the building.
The expansion will also add over 85 healthcare jobs in the new wing.
Chinook Regional Hospital officials say nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, janitorial staff, and administration jobs are all needed to staff the new addition.
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