Health Sciences Centre’s new Women’s Hospital will open December 1, 2019. (ELLISDON)
WINNIPEG — This is one opening that took much longer than nine months to deliver.
With an original opening date slated for 2016, the new Women’s Hospital at the Health Sciences Centre will now open December 1, 2019. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the province announced the opening date Tuesday during a tour with stakeholders and media.
“Women and their families will benefit from the thoughtful design and construction of this facility, which includes elements intended to provide patients with comfort and privacy in addition to excellent care,” said Krista Williams, chief health operations officer with the WRHA.
“Natural light, private baths and areas to accommodate loved ones really make this facility special.”
The WRHA officially took possession of the five-storey, 173-bed hospital facility from contractor EllisDon this week. The state-of-the-art building will replace the existing Women’s Pavilion that was built in the 1950s.
The 388,500 square-foot hospital will be located at 665 William Avenue, and be home to inpatient and outpatient obstetrical, surgical and medical services currently provided at 735 Notre Dame Avenue.
The WRHA says the hospital will also bring together the staff and services currently located in HSC’s three geographically dispersed neonatal intensive care units (NICU): NICU Orange Bison, NICU Yellow Deer and NICU 735 Notre Dame.
Despite the construction delays, the WRHA says the project remains on budget at $232.9 million.
“Between now and our anticipated opening in December, staff will continue to apply deep clinical and operational knowledge as we prepare to safely and efficiently provide care in the new building,” said Ronan Segrave, interim chief operating officer, HSC Winnipeg.
Staff training will begin this summer, with public open houses scheduled for the fall.
The neonatal ICU at the new Women’s Hospital will provide families with newborns staying in the unit more space, added comfort and a calmer atmosphere. It’s a beautiful space. #mbpoli pic.twitter.com/uLPquSkF4n
— Cameron Friesen (@Min_Friesen) February 26, 2019
