Construction will get underway later this month on a new ambulance entrance for the emergency department at the Durham Hospital.
The project is being funded by the Durham Hospital Foundation. It is expected to be completed by June of this year. Many donors and funders contributed to covering the cost of the project. The new ambulance entrance will amount to a small addition on the west side of the hospital. It will include a canopy and an enclosed corridor that leads to an entrance at the back of the emergency department. The main entrance to the emergency department now is used by patients, emergency services, funeral home staff and visitors.
The official release on April 8th states that creating a secondary entrance to the Durham Hospital emergency department will "ensure privacy for patients and families, and provide easier access for emergency services vehicles."
“Creating a second, separate entrance to the Emergency Department will provide a better experience for patients arriving at the hospital in an emergency situation, allowing for privacy and direct access to the department during an already stressful and vulnerable time,” says Michael Barrett, South Bruce Grey Health Centre President & CEO. “The ongoing support of the Durham Hospital Foundation has made this project possible, and SBGHC appreciates the Foundation’s significant contribution to improve the experience of the patients we serve.”
“We are very grateful to the Canadian Medical Foundation (CMA) for their generous grant. The CMA Foundation responded to the challenges of COVID-19, funding this project which will enhance patient flow and infection prevention and control, and meet community health care needs into the future,” adds Raj Rajput, Durham Hospital Foundation Chair and President.