MLA of Lacombe-Ponoka Ron Orr had the chance to tour the Lacombe hospital's renovations.

He walked through the building with AHS officials to preview the work that is being done in the waiting and triage rooms.

“They are focused on creating a more efficient layout in the emergency department and also creating a safer environment for the nurses and medical staff,” explains Orr.

The priorities on the list were to create a more efficient and safe environment for staff and patients by making it easier for staff to monitor those areas while getting their other work done.

“It’s going to improve triage for patients and give the staff the ability to monitor the waiting room and the treatment rooms a lot better.”

Orr says they are hoping this new layout will not only be more efficient for nurses and doctors at the hospital but also to cut down wait times for patients.

“The people who work in the health professions are the ones who keep pointing out to us that there are many opportunities to save costs and create efficiencies.”

Orr adds that they are the ones that will have to utilize the space, so it only made sense to get their opinions.

“The Lacombe hospital consulted with the nurses and the doctors to redesign their space, that’s exactly what we wanted to do.”

 They are also updating some of the ageing equipment and electrical throughout the building, which he says was a well-needed upgrade.

They are hoping to have the facelift completed by the end of summer this year.