News release

Pictou County first Emergency Department Built for Better Care Sooner Plan

Health and Wellness

People living in Pictou County will be the first in Nova Scotia to have an emergency department built to meet the actions outlined in the Better Care Sooner Plan, Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson announced today, Jan. 18, in New Glasgow.

"The redesign of the Aberdeen Hospital's emergency department will provide patients with more timely access to quality care." said Mr. Wilson. "Having a modern emergency department that's focused on the needs of the patient is part of providing better care sooner."

The Better Care Sooner Plan is based on recommendations by Dr. John Ross, the province's emergency care advisor. The Aberdeen redevelopment focuses on Dr. Ross's recommendation to make emergency care more patient-centred and streamlined. This will shorten wait times and improve patient flow and emergency care for seniors.

"I have been very impressed with the systematic way leaders from the Pictou County Health Authority have worked with the Department of Health and Wellness and system-engineer experts to create an evidence-based, patient-centred, futuristic plan for the Aberdeen Emergency Department and Pharmacy," said Dr. Ross. "This is exactly what is needed, and sets a great precedent for planning and development at other sites."

Dr. Deborah Straub, head of the Aberdeen Hospital emergency department, says staff feel privileged to work in the redeveloped department.

"We are very pleased that our staff, doctors and, most importantly, our patients, will have the privilege of being the first to benefit from an emergency department that reflects current and best practices in emergency care," said Dr. Straub.

The conceptual design of the new emergency department and pharmacy and the scale of the overall project is being determined. The Pictou County Health Authority and representatives from the Department of Health and Wellness will work together on the final design and cost.

"Our recent community engagement sessions confirmed the support of this project from the residents of Pictou County,"said Pat Lee, Pictou County Health Authority CEO. "We are grateful for the support we have received from government and our many community partners, especially the municipal governments for their commitment to contribute the required community portion of the costs for this project."

For more information on Better Care Sooner, visit http://novascotia.ca/bettercaresooner.