The Saskatchewan Health Authority is encouraging people to see the new hospital in North Battleford.
Tours for the new Saskatchewan Hospital will take place from October 22 to the 26th and October 29th to November 2. People will get to witness the provincial psychiatric facility prior to patients and staff moving in around mid-November. Communications Officer Linda Lewis says in the one hour tour people will see what the new building has to offer.
“Some of the highlights include the patient’s accommodations which is one wing of the new hospital. They will see some specialized therapy areas, they will see education and business areas.”
The new facility will replace the current 105-year-old building. The hospital replaces a 156-bed facility, with a total of 188 beds. An additional 96-bed wing will be provided for male and female offenders with serious mental health issues.
The provincial government has invested $407 million. The community has been a part of the hospital helping to raise money with the New Beginnings Campaign.
“Many many if not most people in this community have some connection to Saskatchewan Hospital,” Lewis says she’s visited the new facility over the past 3-years of construction. She says compared to the old facility it’s like “night and day”. “The emphasis is on providing the very best environment for the patients.”
Advance sign-up for the tours is required. You can call 306-440-4100 or email [email protected]. Tour times are Monday through Friday during the two weeks, in 15-minute intervals. Lewis says the tour is able to accommodate an upwards of 2,000 people. Lewis says the tour invitation extends further than the Battlefords.
“The hospital is a provincial hospital, its the only one of its kind in this province it serves people from all across Saskatchewan.”