Construction is starting this week on the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital’s new acute care tower.
The new multi-story acute care tower will increase the Victoria Hospital’s overall capacity by approximately 40 percent.
“We are pleased to see the groundwork completed so that we can move forward with this significant investment in the construction of the new tower, which will greatly improve access for the growing northern population it serves,” said Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod.
The design developed by PCL Construction includes a heliport on the roof, expanded emergency department, larger operating rooms and day surgery, northern Saskatchewan’s first MRI, Malhotra Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, lab services, a new adult mental health unit and intensive care unit.
“With the inclusion of northern Saskatchewan’s first MRI and an expanded pediatric and maternal care center, we are transforming health care for the North. This means fewer long-distance travels for testing and treatment, reduced wait times, and a substantial increase in available health care services. This allows us to bring better care, closer to home,” explained Boreal Healthcare Foundation’s CEO Cody Barnett.
This expansion helps provide more services closer to home and patients will have fewer long-distance travels.
The Prince Albert Grand Council provided input and was involved in the design of the facility. The new tower will have a front entrance featuring a dedicated First Nations and Metis cultural space.
“We are looking forward to the increased number of beds and enhanced services to provide holistic health care in a culturally safe environment for Prince Albert, surrounding areas and the North,” Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said.
The acute care tower is anticipated to be completed by Spring 2028.