by The Nova Scotia Health Authority says work will begin next month to install a fire sprinkler system at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, and some services will be affected by the project.
The authority says the project will require the temporary shutdown of the hospital’s operating room, and the temporary relocation of the hospital’s second floor medical unit to the Regional Hospital.
In the coming days, up to 17 patients from New Waterford’s medical unit will move temporarily to Unit 3B at the Regional, and the Health Authority says New Waterford-based doctors have agreed to continue their care of affected patients once the move is made.
The project will also impact the New Waterford’s Diabetes Education Centre, which has moved to the hospital’s first floor, and any visiting specialists or clinics will use the facility’s Ambulatory Care Department.
The Health Authority says the project will not affect walk-in services at the hospital.
The changes are part of Phase I of the fire sprinkler installation—a phase the authority says will cost about 300,000 dollars and run from July to September.
The installation of the sprinkler system was recommended by the Fire Marshal, and a request for proposals for the work closed on May 31st.
The authority says a contract is expected to be awarded soon.
