Inside the South Shore Regional Hospital Redevelopment Project: Building for the future of care

Melanie Nauss is a familiar face at South Shore Regional Hospital, where her journey from registered nurse to clinical project coordinator has spanned over a decade. Now, she’s leveraging her experience to help lead one of the region's largest healthcare redevelopment efforts. 

The South Shore Regional Hospital Redevelopment Project will expand the hospital’s building footprint by 30 per cent, bringing modernized facilities and new services to Lunenburg and Queens counties. The project includes a new dialysis unit, upgraded emergency, endoscopy and day surgery departments. Also, it features South Shore’s first MRI scanner. For Melanie, it’s a chance to shape the future of healthcare in the region.

“When am I ever going to get a chance to do something like this again?” she shares. “It’s not every day you get to be part of building something that will make such a difference for patients and staff.”

Melanie joined Nova Scotia Health in 2010 as a registered nurse after completing her education at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Over the years, she worked in the operating room, served as manager of the OR and took on roles as site lead and manager of emergency, medical, and ambulatory care at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg. Her diverse experience is invaluable in her current role, where she coordinates construction planning, procurement, and operational readiness for the redevelopment.

“I’ve worked in so many areas, so I understand how changes impact each department,” Melanie explains. “It helps me anticipate challenges during construction and work with the teams to find solutions.”

A new dialysis unit, for example, will allow patients to receive life-saving treatment closer to home. “It’s not just about building new spaces,” Melanie notes. “It’s about improving access to care for people who come here to heal. For families who’ve had to travel hours for dialysis, this will mean more time together and less stress. It’s life changing.”

Construction is well underway. Structural work is complete, and activity has shifted to both interior and exterior finishing. Crews continue to install flooring, ceiling tiles, and millwork in several areas. Outside, work is progressing on driveways, curbs, retaining walls, and signage. The redevelopment will open in phases, with the first areas expected to be complete in 2026.

One of Melanie’s key responsibilities is minimizing disruptions to hospital operations during construction. “We can’t just shut things down while we build,” she says. “We have to keep the hospital running smoothly while also preparing for the future. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s worth it to ensure we don’t disrupt patient care.”

The redevelopment will also meet needs for staff and physicians. For example, break rooms will be expanded to provide dedicated spaces for healthcare workers to rest and recharge. “Having well-designed spaces makes a huge difference for morale,” Melanie adds. “It’s about creating environments that support patient care and the wellbeing of our teams who work incredibly hard every day.”

The redevelopment project couldn’t be possible without the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore. Through its Brighter Days Campaign, the foundation has raised funds to support state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the redeveloped hospital.

“The Foundation’s work has been incredible,” Melanie says. “They’ve helped us bring in the tools and technology we need to provide the best possible care. It’s a real testament to the region’s commitment to supporting one another.”

The most rewarding part of the project is seeing the milestones come to life after intense planning, Melanie says. “It’s going to be a modern space with thoughtful design that truly works for patients and staff,” she adds. “That’s what this is all about, making sure that when someone walks through these doors, they feel cared for and supported.”

Melanie pauses for a moment as she contemplates what overarching message she’d like to share with the South Shore community. “It’s hard to sum it up in one sentence,” she says. “We’re building a hospital that’s bigger and better; one that will improve care for everyone in the region who relies on us. This is for them and for the generations to come.”

As construction continues, Melanie remains focused on the bigger picture. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. This is our chance to make a real difference and that’s something that everyone involved in this project should be proud of.”

Photo of Melanie Nauss, Clinical Project Coordinator.