The first phase of the $137-million renovations to the Peter Lougheed Centre emergency department has been completed by Ellisdon. Construction began in spring 2021.

Once all phases are complete, the Peter Lougheed Centre will double in size and support more patients with a total of 89 beds, decreasing emergency room wait times – an integral part of the Alberta’s Health Care Action Plan.

The project features a larger and upgraded triage area, an improved resuscitation and trauma space and new, modern care spaces. The redevelopment will also enhance Emergency Medical Services access to the emergency department, improving both the design and functionality of the space for staff and patients.

Phase 2 of the project, expected to begin in early fall 2023, will feature new, state-of-the-art equipment that will help improve the patient experience and decrease wait time for patient diagnostics. This includes the addition of a portable X-ray machine (two total), four additional bedside ultrasounds for a total of six, and a bladder scanner.

When fully finished in 2025, the new emergency department will provide 25 additional care spaces, each with the added capability of continuous cardiac monitoring, while increasing the overall space of the emergency department from 2,300 square feet to 4,600 square feet.

“While the final project is slated for completion in fall 2025, finishing this phase takes us one step closer. Alberta Infrastructure will continue to work closely with government and industry to deliver the high-quality infrastructure and increased health care access that Calgarians and Albertans need today and in the future,” said Pete Guthrie, minister of infrastructure

Peter Lougheed Centre opened in 1988, at which time the emergency department was designed to accommodate 30,000 to 40,000 patient visits each year. In 2022, close to 73,000 patients visited the emergency department.