Q&A with Dr. Christine Short, Senior Medical Director for QEII Redevelopment

We sat down with Dr. Christine Short to learn more about her role in the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project and to hear her perspective on how the project will support staff, physicians, and patients. Here’s what she shared: 


Q: What is your role in the QEII HIEP and how long have you been involved with the project?

A: I started my role as Senior Medical Director for QEII Redevelopment in May of 2021. As Senior Medical Director. I work in a co-lead relationship with four other amazing Senior Directors. In my role I am a clinical consultant and bring a clinical leadership and practice voice to the table. I help communicate and connect clinical teams and leaders to the project. I help educate and inform, while also helping address questions, concerns and feedback. 

Q: What will the new Acute Care Tower mean for staff & physicians?

A: The new Acute Care Tower will provide staff and physicians with state-of-the-art space and equipment, which will create a work environment where they can deliver the best care to some of the sickest and most complex patients in our healthcare system. This new tower is being built to provide tertiary and quaternary care for everyone in our province through a new, expanded Emergency Department, A new larger Critical Care unit, 16 new Operating Rooms, supporting Lab space and 216 new inpatient rooms. 

Q: What will it mean for patients?

A: This new space will not only give patients excellent care it will be a safe, inclusive, family friendly space for health and healing. 

Q: What excites you the most about this project? What are you most looking forward to?

A: I think what excites me most is that this is the largest healthcare infrastructure project ever in the Atlantic provinces. The collaboration between the healthcare system and industry has been phenomenal. I am excited for the care this project will bring to all Nova Scotians and the opportunity it has been to engage our clinical teams in the design and development. Beyond healthcare I am excited for the many jobs and economic opportunities the build itself is bringing to our province. It has been a long journey to get to where we are today, and I am most looking forward to seeing the doors open in 2031 and having the opportunity to provide care for patients and families in this amazing new space. 

Q: If you could describe your vision for the future of care at the QEII, what would it be?

A: We know it will be excellent space; we know the staff will be skilled and the equipment state of the art, but most importantly my vision is that it will be inclusive and accessible to all Nova Scotians no matter what their background, race, social status or past experience. Everyone will be welcomed and supported in the way they need here

Photo of Dr. Christine Short.