A rendering of the new ER at the Southampton Hospital.

Beginning on Thursday, January 11, the Southampton Hospital will open the doors to its brand new Emergency Department (ER). This 10,000 square foot addition includes 12 treatment rooms to care for the 17,000 patient visits to the ED every year.

In a Grey Bruce Health Services media release, the new ER is Phase 1 of the project, with Phase 2 being a 10,000 square foot renovation, which will see the hospital Laboratory double in size, and includes a new space for the Auxiliary Gift Shop.

Work on that Phase 2 has already begun with completion expected late 2018.

Both the ER and Laboratory have been designed to accommodate modern medical equipment, improved patient flow, and enhanced workspace for staff, physicians and volunteers.

“This is a very exciting day for Grey Bruce Health Services, and a significant boost to healthcare services in Saugeen Shores,” said Lance Thurston, President and CEO of GBHS. “We are extremely grateful to the community and the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation for supporting this project.”

The main entrance to the hospital from High Street will re-open tomorrow.

“The new ER looks great. It will allow staff and physicians to more efficiently serve our current volume of patients, and it provides room to meet the future needs of our growing communities,” said Dr. David Billings, Chief of ER at the Southampton Hospital. “The ER, together with the new Lab, will also help us attract new healthcare workers to the area.” The total project will cost approximately $10 million, with the provincial government contributing 90 per cent and the remaining 10 per cent coming through the Foundation from the community. Bruce Power is the largest contributor at $500,000.