Two requests for proposal will be issued in September 2024 to advance the design phase for intensive care unit expansion (ICU) at Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatoon.

This first phase intends to accommodate additional bed capacity for up to 26 ICU patients and create individual rooms for better patient care. The long-term goal is to continue to expand such space at RUH through the addition of individual rooms.

“Enhancing capacity within an ICU is complex and requires extensive planning to address construction, health human resource needs, beds and equipment, said Health Minister Everett Hindley. “By improving the safety and quality of patient care, we are ensuring the health care system’s critical care needs are supported well into the future.”

In June 2022, the government delivered the first phase of its provincial ICU expansion commitments by adding 11 beds across the province including Regina, Yorkton, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

“We are pleased to see this expansion move forward to increase the number of ICU beds at Royal University Hospital,” Integrated Saskatoon Health Vice President John Ash said. “This builds on the three ICU beds that were added earlier this year as part of the Saskatoon Capacity Pressure Action Plan. Our priority at SHA is safe, high-quality care, ensuring our health care teams can deliver vital, patient-centred support to our most critically ill patients, in the most appropriate setting.”