Renovating E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room

Project Overview

The project, currently in the schematic design phase, represents a significant investment in the future of local healthcare services. The project is scheduled to go to tender in late Fall 2025. Renovation is expected to begin during the Winter 2025/2026 season, pending the successful completion of ongoing work at the hospital in Ashern. It is anticipated the project will be completed in spring of 2027.

Physician, staff and community input:

Earlier this year, a public survey generated 142 responses and in-person information sessions on March 6, 2025 saw approximately 150 staff members, physicians and members of the public share their thoughts on the project to renovate the existing ED in Eriksdale. In addition, first nation leaders from the areas serviced by the hospital were consulted on the project as part of its commitment to community involvement. The project team—comprised of design professionals and key stakeholders—will host a second round of public engagement sessions in August 2025. These sessions will provide community members with an opportunity to review the updated design, share feedback, and ask questions.

Community based comments are being integrated into designs to ensure the needs of area residents and staff are reflected and that the new space enhances patient care.

Six themes have arisen from feedback collected. The following is a summary of feedback received. Project scope allows for focus on structural elements of the renovations:

1. Facility & infrastructure improvements

Streamline entry, waiting, and ER pathways • Separate and clearly mark entrances: dedicated ER, visitor and ambulance entrances • Proximity and visibility: ER should be closer to nursing stations for better monitoring • Improved signage and wayfinding: better directional signage • Expanded ER space: larger treatment areas and an increase in patient rooms/beds • Waiting area enhancements: more seating, privacy, and comfort features.

2. Privacy & safety measures

• Increased patient privacy: separate areas for ER patients, visitors, and grieving families • Dedicated family and grieving spaces: safe, private rooms for families in distress • Enhanced security features: secure nurse stations, emergency call systems and isolation areas for crisis patients

3. Staffing & medical services

• More staff needed • Improved staff workspaces: larger workstations, better break rooms and overnight staff accommodations • Extended ER hours: many respondents requested 24/7 ER operation • Recruitment and retention efforts: competitive wages, incentives and staff housing solutions needed

4. Technology & equipment upgrades

• Modernized medical equipment: Investment in new diagnostic tools and imaging systems • Technology integration: implementation of digital systems • Better resource allocation: improved lab and diagnostic services for faster patient care

5. Patient experience & comfort

• Better waiting conditions: separate waiting rooms for critical and non-critical cases • Entertainment and transparency: TVs, wait time displays and better communication for patients • Improved accessibility: wider doorways, wheelchair accessible bathrooms and better patient movement/flow.

6. Operational & long term considerations

• Future-proofing the ER: design considerations for future healthcare needs and community growth • Community-centered decision making: strong demand for ongoing community consultation • Balancing renovation and staffing issues