Premier Brian Pallister and Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen were in Dauphin to tour the new Emergency Department at The DRHC.

The $23.3 million expansion is three times larger than the current department and promises to improve patient flow when it opens this July.

The new facility includes a decontamination room, an enclosed ambulance garage and a special care unit for extended care of patients. The new building allows medical professionals to treat patients more efficiently.

The temporary entrance between the hospital and community health centre with remain as the main entrance until reconstruction of the front ramp area is completed in November. The ramp is set to be demolished sometime this summer.

The Premier’s visit to the DRHC followed a stop in Brandon, where he announced that the government would be adding 10 new full-time paramedic positions for the Parkland and Westman regions.