Entrance to Bethesda Hospital

 

The Chief Executive Officer for South Eastman Health says he's been waiting two years for today. John Stinson says Penn-Co Construction will begin work Monday afternoon on the major project at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach.

"The community, the staff, members of the Regional Health Authority, we've been holding our breath for a couple of years for this project to get underway," notes Stinson. "Let the banners fly and the bells ring out because today's the day."

Beginning Monday, the temporary entrance will open at the rear of the hospital. That is needed because starting at approximately 12pm Monday (May 14), the existing entrance and emergency department will be boarded off. It will stay that way for approximately eighteen months.

But Stinson says, unfortunately the temporary ER is not yet ready inside the Community Services Building. That's only expected some time around mid-June. As a result, anyone needing emergency services over the next month, will enter through the rear of the hospital and make their way to the existing Emergency department. Then, after the temporary ER opens, residents needing ER services will visit 365 Reimer. For all other hospital visits, entering will be done through the rear of Bethesda Hospital.

Stinson asks patients and visitors to the hospital to please exercise patience. He anticipates people will likely park on the wrong side of the hospital, realizing the entrance has been moved. "That will be frustrating for some folks, and we ask for your forgiveness ahead of time." Stinson adds there will be public parking off Hospital Street at the rear of the building.

Also, he says there may be incidents today where people will pull up to the front of the hospital in the morning, but by the time they leave after lunch, the entrance will already be boarded up. "We'll ensure that staff are able to give them a heads up that they might need to move their vehicles." South Eastman Health has assured there will be proper signage on site to direct motorists.