N.S. announces new emergency department, dialysis unit for Cumberland County

The new emergency department is expected to almost double the size of the existing one. (Jean Laroche/CBC - image credit)
The new emergency department is expected to almost double the size of the existing one. (Jean Laroche/CBC - image credit)

Work is set to begin on an expanded emergency department and a new renal dialysis unit at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre near Amherst, N.S., that are expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

According to a news release from Communications Nova Scotia, the new emergency department will be almost double the size of the old one and will provide a more streamlined health-care experience for patients and staff.

The new department will be able to handle more than 23,000 patients annually, the release said.

The facility's current temporary five-station dialysis unit will be replaced by a permanent 12-station unit.

An artist's rendering of the planned new emergency department entrance.
An artist's rendering of the planned new emergency department entrance.

An artist's rendering of the entrance to the planned new emergency department. (N.S. Department of Public Works)

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Combined with a recently announced modular dialysis unit for All Saints Hospital in Springhill, N.S., the two dialysis units will collectively serve up to 64 patients, ensuring more comprehensive care closer to home, the release said.

"By being attached to the hospital, the unit also allows admitted patients to continue their dialysis," Dr. Steven Soroka, senior medical director for the Nova Scotia Health renal program, said in the release.

"This means more care, closer to home — keeping patients in their community and near the support of family and friends."

The release said final design work will begin soon.

The first tenders will be issued in early 2025, it said, and construction is expected to begin in the spring.

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