Cambridge Memorial Hospital wraps up construction on new patient wing

Cambridge Memorial Hospital has finished construction on its new patient care wing and itis set to open in January 2020.

The 250,000-square-foot wing will house units such as the emergency department, intensive care, birthing and mental health programs. Operating rooms will also be moved to the wing inthe spring.

The number of hospital beds will increase from150 to nearly 200, while the number of intensive care beds will be expanded from eight to 12,says Patrick Gaskin, president andCEO of Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

"It's an increase of 33 per cent of our beds," Gaskin said.

"It is so important in terms of the programs and services and being able to meet the health-care needs and the expanding needs of the community ... [It's] the most significant health care investment Cambridge-North Dumfries has seen in generations."

Construction on the new wing hasbeen delayed for more than two years. In a letter to the community last year, Cambridge Memorial Hospital explainedthat the delay was because subcontractors stopped showing up at the site.

Next steps

About 2,000 staff, physicians, midwives and volunteers need to be trained to work inthe new wing.

Before the new section of the hospital opens, which right now is scheduled for Jan. 18, 2020, 85 vendors are set to install and test clinical equipment.

A community open house is being planned for Jan. 11 so people can take a look at the new hospital wing.

"We will throw the doors open and let the community have a sneak peek at the hospital prior to patients coming in,"Gaskinsaid.

The new wing cost$65 million and is the first part of a two-stage redevelopment process of the hospital.

The Wing B patient care facility will be refurbished once a contractor is decided upon. There's no timeline as of yet, Gaskin said.