It’s been a month since the new emergency department (ED) opened up at the Dauphin Hospital.

Blaine Kraushaar, a communications coordinator for PMH, says there have been some learning curves.

“But there have been no significant challenges that have impacted our ability to provide 24/7 emergency services within our emergency department and special care unit, as well as transport from ambulance services. We have a dedicated project team that’s been working not only on the capital construction aspects of the redevelopment but the clinical care aspects and we continue to meet and review opportunities for improvement as we get accustomed to the new ED.”

Kraushaar says the improvements have put the Dauphin region in a better position to provide timely emergency and critical care.

The improvements include a new way to enter the emergency department. Patients need to be swiped in through locked-down doors, making it more secure. There are more security cameras to assist the security staff. Kraushaar made it clear Staff, patient, client, and visitor safety is very important to them.

Another improvement pointed out is the size increase. The new ED is about 3 times the size of the old, allowing for enhanced treatment and observation rooms. The additional space allows for better workflow coordination for their staff and better traffic flow within patient care areas. There is better access for patients to triage and assessment as well as direct visibility to the waiting room area, which was a direct recommendation from the Brian Sinclair Inquest Report.

Finally, the ED has a fully enclosed, climate-controlled ambulance bay, making transport for patients and staff better.

The cul-de-sac and access ramp at the back of the hospital have improved accessibility to the hospital.

He adds they’ve been very fortunate with receiving donations to cover costs for smaller equipment needs. The donation at the forefront of his mind was recently when the Shrine Club donated money to bring a pediatric emergency cart to the hospital.

At the beginning of September, lasting until early October, the front entrance area of the hospital will be worked on and could cause challenges and changes within the hospital. Kraushaar adds there’ll be signs pointing where to go and to ask the staff if you need help.

More work at the hospital is in future sights. The area the temporary emergency department was in is now empty but there haven’t been any plans finalized for what’s going to fill the space.