Healthcare Infrastructure Atlantic Canada

• Evaluating the resources and expertise available to support and deliver multiple large-scale healthcare infrastructure projects concurrently across the Maritimes and the rest of Canada
• Identifying strategies being used to overcome resource limitations
• Assessing the value for money on these major healthcare infrastructure projects
• Lessons learned for future project planning
• Determining when smaller, community healthcare hubs and networks present a viable alternative to bigger hospital redevelopments

The QEII is a once in a generation healthcare redevelopment project in Halifax that will bring state-of-the-art medical facilities to residents. The project first announced in 2016, has encountered some challenges, but continues to move ahead. The Halifax Infirmary expansion broke ground this spring. Once complete the QEII will enable patient care at the ageing Victoria General site to move to the Infirmary site.

This session will explore lessons learned throughout the process to date, and innovative features that will transform care in the province.

• Developing a master plan for a project of this magnitude, that will consider current and future community care needs
• Examining how the marketplace, and scope changes impacted progress and the strategies used to keep the project moving ahead
• Reviewing key milestones to date
• Implementing the latest technology to enhance care
• Atlantic Canada’s first Hybrid OR
• Exploring how the design of the project will benefit patients and clinical staff

The Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre (BLCOC) is an example of patient-centric design and marks a commitment to serve patient populations outside of the Greater Halifax Region. In doing so, it will alleviate pressure on the Halifax Infirmary site that will undergo construction this year.

This session will provide an understanding of the planning behind the centre, while also highlighting key design elements, technology implementations, and the strategies that kept the project on time and on budget.

Key points of discussion include:

• Understanding the decision to pursue Nova’s first p3 in healthcare
• Overview of scope, budget, and key milestones
• Fostering a collaborative approach to project delivery—success stories and best practices
• Maintaining schedule amid significant weather and climate related events
• Examining how healthcare hubs, outside the city centre can support care needs in the community and alleviate the pressure on other sites
• Accommodating the requirements of clinical space that includes everything from diagnostic imaging and eye care to occupational rehab
• Capturing natural elements of light and wood in the design to provide a less clinical feeling environment for patients

• Exploring the impetus behind the project and the overall mater plan for improving mental health service delivery in the PEI
• Mental Health and Addictions Acute Care Facility and Life Skills Centre
• Mental Health and Addictions Emergency Department and Short Stay Unit
• Overcoming challenges for infrastructure and healthcare service delivery in a rural setting
• Addressing stigma through infrastructure design
• Exploring new tools and technology being leverage to support hospital personnel and patients

• Examining how demographics are shifting towards an aging population of 65+ in NS and across Atlantic Canada
• Anticipating future care, and infrastructure needs of seniors in the province
• Understanding the current plan to improve and increase access to LTC through replacement projects and new builds
• Exploring opportunities enable seniors to stay healthier longer through the built environment, while also preparing to support seniors with more complex conditions

New institutional builds bring the promise of safer, more efficient, and more suitable operations. Moreover, they represent a “once-in-50-years” opportunity to change how things are done. Facility design is the beginning of this incredible catalytic shift but there are many challenges with implementation from operations to culture. This presentation examines the total project arc from potential new build project aspirations through to post occupancy highlighting the benefits of change and design process integration.

• Identifying some of the lesser known IPAC risks during the construction phase and how to manage them effectively to ensure the safety of patients and staff post-occupancy
• Key containment measures when renovating spaces with aging infrastructure, and special considerations for when adjacent spaces are operational
• Consulting with IPAC on current standards and how requirements could evolve prior to the completion of the project
• Balancing physician expectations, end user group perspectives and spatial considerations with IPAC measures

Healthcare is being revitalized across Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. This session will explore how new healthcare facilities are being rolled out, and the innovative approach that’s being taken to incorporate social determinants of health and promote community wellness.