Premier Offers a Few Details on New Hospital

Premier Stephen McNeil says the replacement for the North Cumberland Hospital in Pugwash will be different but designed to meet the modern needs of the community.

The Premier told Six Rivers Radio, yesterday, it is a facility with an overall vision toward healthcare, making sure of “the appropriate institution for the appropriate services.”

McNeil says it will combine primary and long-term care, with a few overnight beds. The reference to long-term care may not be explained until a public meeting planned for the community later. The original announcement for the new hospital said construction would be preceded by public engagement.

The East Cumberland Lodge, a long-term care facility is located directly behind the existing Pugwash Hospital. Volunteers who have worked on the local health board or the hospital steering committee have often talked about possible links between the two facilities.

Construction is expected this fall with a price tag of 25.5 million dollars.

The last time the premier talked about the prospect of a new hospital he promised shovels in the ground in 2018. People who have worked closely with project planners believe this time we’ll actually see the shovels and the construction.

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