A new emergency department expansion is now underway at Misericordia Community Hospital, an acute care hospital in west Edmonton.

Now in the four-month long demolition and remediation phase, the re-development will include space for six ambulance bays, emergency waiting and treatment areas and diagnostic services, and will accommodate 60,000 patient visits per year.

The chapel, west annex and the Family Medicine Centre (the centre was relocated to the Cabrini Centre) will be taken down to make room for the emergency room expansion.

“This is an exciting next step towards a bigger, better and more modern hospital emergency department for west Edmonton,” said Minister of Health Tyler Shandro. “I know it’s been a long wait for residents and staff, but our government is committed to this vital project at the Misericordia Hospital that will provide a better environment to serve more patients and families.”

All phases of construction are closely co-ordinated with hospital staff to ensure public safety and to minimize impact on patients, staff and visitors.