Patients and staff will soon be able to access enhanced spaces at the Health Sciences Centre emergency department, with the new ambulance bay opening on Monday, July 27, and additional spaces opening for patient care on Saturday, August 8.
The Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Health and Community Services, made the announcement today at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s. She was joined by Dr. Gena Bugden, Vice President – Medical Services and Academic Affairs, and Chief of Staff.
This milestone represents a significant investment in modernizing the province’s busiest emergency department. The renovations will improve safety and provide a more efficient and patient friendly space, while supporting the frontline workers who are delivering complex emergency care. The renovations include new:
- High acuity/trauma area
- Assessment unit
- Ambulance garage
- Patient entrance
- Larger treatment rooms
- Increased privacy through private patient rooms
- Improved accessibility
- Modern equipment
- Enhanced workspaces for staff
The Provincial Government is committed to building and upgrading health care facilities to strengthen health care now and into the future for all of us. Budget 2026 includes $800,000 that will fund the operating costs associated with the renovation of the Health Sciences Centre emergency department. This investment will benefit residents throughout the province by improving patient flow, including the offloading of patients from other regions coming via ambulance to the Health Sciences for tertiary care. Additional renovations are anticipated to be fully completed by August 2027. This is in addition to government’s other investments in health care facilities, including partnering with the Nunatsiavut Government to develop new transitional beds, the redevelopment of the Paddon Home into a long-term care facility, and partnering with the First Light Friendship Centre to support an Indigenous-led Health Clinic in St. John’s.
Quotes
“The recently completed renovations at the Health Sciences emergency department mean patients will have more space, privacy and safety when they need to seek emergency care, while our frontline workers will have the modern equipment and enhanced workspaces they need. By investing in our health care facilities, our new government is delivering on our commitment to better health care for all of us.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Health and Community Services
“NL Health Services is pleased to recognize the milestone of the new emergency department located at the Health Sciences Centre. The new spaces have been designed using current best practices and include larger treatment rooms, increased privacy through private patient rooms, improved accessibility, modern equipment, and enhanced workspaces for staff. These upgrades will enhance safety and provide a more efficient, and more patient-centered environment while supporting the delivery of complex emergency care. Thank you to all staff, physicians and leaders who have been involved in this project and to all health-care professionals and staff who provide care and support to patients and their families.”
Ron Johnson
Chief Executive Officer (interim), NL Health Services
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Learn more
Budget 2026
Building Stronger Communities Through Improved Access to Health Care in Labrador
Investments in Health and Well-Being for Residents of Labrador
Provincial Government Partners with First Light to Establish New Urban Indigenous Health Clinic
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