Tender Announced For Bethesda Fix

Construction is expected to start Monday on changes to the front entrance at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach.

The project was announced shortly after the new front entrance opened in 2014. Almost immediately there was criticism from the public over how steep the stairs are.

Ken Klassen is Vice President of Finance and Capital with Southern Health-Santé Sud. He says they put out a request for tenders and received five submissions. The successful bid was Penn-Co Construction.

"It's nice to see a local company get this work," says Klassen.

According to Klassen, the regional health authority was pleased with each submission, noting the pricing was really close in all five. Though the dollar figure can not yet be disclosed, Klassen says it is within their budget.

Klassen says the purpose of the project is to provide better access to the hospital. That means adding an entrance area, which includes an elevator and enclosed stairway. There will also be a drop-off canopy and enclosed access connecting the main entrance and Emergency Room.

The project is expected to take about seven months to complete. Klassen notes it's nice seeing the work happen during the spring, summer and fall months.