New emergency department entrance at Health Sciences Centre to open Aug. 8

Patients visiting the emergency department at the Health Sciences Centre will begin using a new entrance starting Saturday as Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services opens the first phase of its new emergency department.

The new emergency department will begin accepting patients at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 8 at the Health Sciences Centre on Prince Philip Drive. Patients requiring emergency care are being asked to use the new entrance, located next to the hospital's main entrance.

NL Health Services said signs and staff will be in place throughout the transition to help direct patients to the new location.

Health-care teams will also assist in relocating patients from the existing emergency department to the new facility during the transition on Saturday.

The opening marks the first stage of the new emergency department project, which includes a new patient entrance and waiting area, a high-acuity and trauma treatment area, an assessment unit, and a new ambulance garage.

According to NL Health Services, the upgraded spaces feature larger treatment rooms, private patient rooms to improve privacy, enhanced accessibility, modern medical equipment and improved workspaces for staff. The changes are intended to improve safety, efficiency and the delivery of complex emergency care while creating a more patient-centred environment.

The health authority also advised that there is no change to the location of the Psychiatric Assessment Unit. Patients seeking care through the unit should continue to enter through the main entrance of the Mental Health and Addictions Centre. Further updates will be provided if additional changes are required.