THE NEW EMERGENCY CENTRE AT SMH

Plans are underway for an innovative, state-of-the-art emergency and urgent care facility that will be nearly triple the size of the current ER. This will enhance Fraser Health’s ability to provide fast, responsive care and offer comfortable space for patients and waiting families.

Built with the best clinical practices in mind, the new emergency centre will apply the finest architectural practices from around the world. It will be bright and visually pleasing, with wider corridors, larger treatment spaces, additional soundproofing for noise control and easy access to parking and public transit.

The new emergency centre is expected to be completed by 2011 and will include the following:

· Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Response Unit – Ideally situated close to the ambulance entrance, this area will provide much-needed assessment, stabilization and initial treatment facilities for people with mental health and addiction problems.

· Children’s ER – The children’s ER will be bright and family-oriented and will include fully equipped nursing stations as well as a dedicated bed area. It will be separate from the acute and mental health treatment areas to reduce anxiety for children and their families.

· Acute Patient Treatment Area – Patients with acute injuries that require urgent medical attention will be treated in the acute patient treatment area. This area will be significantly larger than the existing space, enabling staff to safely and efficiently treat patients, significantly improving patient care.

· Minor Treatment Unit – Designed to increase efficiency and significantly reduce waiting times in the ER, the minor treatment unit will accommodate patients with less severe injuries or illnesses. It will include a waiting area and fully equipped examination rooms.

These enhancements will substantially improve Surrey Memorial’s efficiency, enhance the emergency care offered to patients and place the hospital in a better position to continue attracting and retaining the finest medical expertise, supported by the latest medical equipment and technology.

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Contact:

Marisa Adair

Communications Director

Ministry of Health

250 952-1889

250 920-8500 (cell)

Jason Howe

Public Affairs Director

Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation

604 585-5666 ext. 8284

604 613-6873 (cell)




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