Nova Scotia invests to expand hospital’s emergency department

Nova Scotia is investing more than $100 million over the next four years to double the size of the emergency department at the IWK Health Centre – a health-care and research centre in the Maritime region dedicated to the well-being of women, children, youth and families.

“Children and families from across the Maritimes depend on the IWK Health Centre emergency department when they need urgent or specialized care,” said Leo Glavine, minister of health and wellness. “This expansion will mean a larger, more modern emergency department for our health professionals so they can continue to provide high-quality care to their patients.”

The government invested $1.4 million in the design development phase, conducted by William Nycum and Associates. A design development and feasibility study for the project has also been completed, and a tender for a construction manager is expected this spring.

The project will help the centre address the increase in patients, better address complex cases and mental health concerns and encourage more innovation among care providers, the government said.

“We at the IWK are thrilled that the government is investing in the health and well-being of Nova Scotia children, youth and families with the construction of a new IWK emergency department,” said Dr. Krista Jangaard, president and CEO, IWK Health. “This redevelopment will allow our physicians and staff to deliver care in a world-class environment designed to best meet the needs of the patients and families we serve.”

Over the last five years, there has been a 17.5 per cent increase in patient visits to the IWK emergency department, according to the government.

Last month, Alberta Health Services and Covenant Health announced they are piloting the use of temporary vaccine clinics in emergency departments in hospitals across Alberta.

Recently, the federal government said it is investing $2 million through its COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF) to fund a new study that will look at risk factors associated with coronavirus transmissions among paramedics.

Sexual assault examiner

Nova Scotia is also investing about $1.7 million this year to make the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program available in more communities across the province.            

“Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners support survivors of sexual assault during an incredibly difficult time,” said Leo Glavine, minister of health and wellness. “The impact of sexual assault can be devastating, and we are committed to ensuring Nova Scotians have in-person, 24/7 access to this important service.”

The expansion includes:   

• Roseway Hospital in Shelburne delivered by the Tri Country Women’s Centre SANE program, available as of Feb. 1
• Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, delivered by the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) SANE program, available as of Feb. 1
• Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Amherst, also delivered by the VON SANE program, available as of Feb. 8

Expansion of the VON SANE program to the Eastern Shore is planned for spring. On-site service is currently available in 17 hospitals and health centres across the province.

The services are provided by registered nurses who have advanced training and expertise to provide specialized medical care and forensic response. On-call nurses provide emergency care that includes supportive treatment, medical attention, information and additional resources, as well as the option to have forensic evidence collected.