The Dauphin Regional Health Centre is in the middle of getting some upgrades, and things are progressing quickly.

Phase one of the project is well underway, with a new chemotherapy unit and a new endoscopy suite coming to the hospital. Brian McKenzie, the Project Coordinator for Prairie Mountain Health Capital Planning, says the renovations are adding to services already offered at the hospital.

"This would be expanding on the existing capacity. For the main floor, relocating the endoscopy procedures out of the existing operating room is going to provide the opportunity to free up the operating space, and increase their surgical capacity. As well, some of the other renovations we're going to enhance our inpatient care areas and increase our hospital's inpatient capacity."

Increased capacity isn't the only positive to come from the work that's being done says McKenzie.

"Relocating the chemotherapy from the third floor down to the main floor comes with a number of benefits as well. A more efficient layout, reduced distance to travel for the hospital, so there's definitely some good benefits."

Phase one of the project is expected to be completed this fall, and McKenzie says phase two will follow within weeks of the first phase being finished.

"In phase two, we'll construct the new inpatient rooms on the second floor, in the former physio, rehab space, and common area. We'll also renovate the old third-floor chemotherapy area to provide a new space for physio."

The space on the main floor that is currently being renovated was the temporary emergency department that opened in 2017, while the new emergency department was being built.