Vanderhoof, B.C. – The contract for the renovations to the emergency department at St. John Hospital has been awarded to IDL Construction of Prince George.

 

The changes area intended to improve patient confidentiality, including renovations to the hospital’s main entrance and ambulance entrance.

 

Patients arriving by ambulance will no longer need to be transported through the public waiting area. An enlarged work station area for nurses and physicians will provide more privacy while accessing electronic medical records and viewing diagnostic images.

 

The renovations will also increase the emergency department and trauma room spaces, to allow for better movement of staff and equipment. Renovations to laboratory, outpatient waiting and medical records departments will also take place.

 

The $5 million dollar project is being paid for through $3 million from Northern Health, and $2million from the Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District.

 

Construction will begin in the May, with a target of completion in March 2014.