More Hospitals to Convert to Natural Gas

Government is moving ahead with plans to help the environment and save money at regional hospitals.

Seven regional hospitals will convert to natural gas to improve air quality and reduce heating costs.

"By burning natural gas, our hospitals will be using a cleaner source of energy that is better for the environment and creates savings that can be put directly into patient care, which is where Nova Scotians want to see their money invested," said Leo Glavine, Minister of Health and Wellness.

The hospitals are Yarmouth Regional, Valley Regional in Kentville, South Shore Regional in Bridgewater, Colchester Regional in Truro, Aberdeen Regional in New Glasgow, St. Martha's Regional in Antigonish, and Cape Breton Regional in Sydney. Four hospitals currently use natural gas: Cumberland Health Centre in Amherst, Dartmouth General, Halifax Infirmary, and the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax.

Planning will begin immediately. Government will invest $9.7 million with projected savings in the millions once all seven have been fully converted.

Converted hospitals will be able to switch between natural gas and furnace oil, whichever is most cost effective at any given time.