Work to improve flow, safety and sightlines at ED entrance
The Saskatchewan Health Authority has announced renovations to the entrance of the Regina General Hospital emergency department will begin on Sept. 14. The project, funded in part by a $1.9-million provincial commitment, will be completed in a series of four phases designed to enhance patient flow, safety and support for staff and physicians.
The SHA said the work will target both external and internal areas of the emergency entrance. While officials expect temporary changes to how people approach and use the entrance, the location and overall functioning of the emergency department will remain the same and there will be no interruption to emergency medical services (EMS) access to the hospital.
Phased construction to limit disruption
Construction is planned in four distinct phases. According to the SHA, phases 1 and 2 will focus on exterior work around the emergency entrance. Phases 2 through 4 will take on interior renovations including triage, registration and the waiting room. The phased approach is intended to allow the emergency department to continue operating 24 hours a day.
| Phase | Main focus |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | External areas of emergency entrance |
| Phase 2 | External areas and start of internal work (triage/registration) |
| Phase 3 | Triage, registration and waiting room renovations |
| Phase 4 | Finishing interior works and integration of security features |
The SHA emphasised that the high-quality care patients expect will not be affected by the renovations. In a news release, Tom Stewart, SHA’s executive director of acute care for integrated Regina health, said emergency access will remain continuous.
“The high-quality care patients expect when accessing emergency care will not be impacted by these important renovations. Patients will continue to have 24/7 access to the Regina General Hospital emergency department.”
Security upgrades, lockers and wayfinding
Part of the project will see enhanced security and improved sightlines by fully integrating the SHA’s Protective Services into the emergency entrance. The renovation will also add public lockers to allow patients to securely store personal belongings while receiving care.
Visitors are being warned to take extra care in the parking lot and near the emergency entrance because of increased construction activity. The SHA said some parking spaces that are normally used for short-term emergency drop-offs will be relocated a short distance away and will be marked with temporary signage.
- Work begins Sept. 14 with four distinct phases.
- Provincial funding: $1.9 million.
- No change in ED location or EMS access; 24/7 emergency services will continue.
Hospital officials asked everyone arriving at the site to follow on-site signage to be guided safely to the emergency department during construction. The SHA said the renovations are intended to support staff and physicians in continuing to provide safe, compassionate and patient-centred care once the work is complete.
Regina residents who rely on the emergency department or regularly visit the hospital should expect temporary adjustments to drop-off and parking, and to defer to posted directions while construction is underway.
