New public access road and emergency department drop-off changes at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre

AMHERST, NS — Work will begin Monday to prepare for major traffic flow changes at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre (CRHCC) in Amherst.

As construction continues on the new expanded emergency department and new renal dialysis department for CRHCC, a new public access roadway will open and traffic patterns around the hospital will change. Patients and visitors can continue to access all hospital services, including the emergency department, throughout this work.

What’s changing?

New public access road

A new public access roadway to the hospital site will open on Monday, June 22. Once operational, patients and visitors will no longer access the main entrance or emergency department using the previous roadway, as that area is needed for ongoing construction related to the redevelopment project.

Directional signage will be in place to help guide patients and visitors.

Emergency department drop-off changes

Beginning Monday, June 22, parking spaces currently located directly in front of the emergency department entrance will be converted into a dedicated drop-off zone only.

This change is being made to improve safety and patient access to the emergency department. Accessible parking spaces will be relocated near the main entrance drop-off loop.

Temporary impacts during construction

During the week of June 15-19, crews will complete paving, asphalt and painting work to prepare the new traffic flow and drop-off areas. During this time:

• The emergency department drop-off area will be closed daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A temporary drop-off area will be available near the hospital’s main entrance.
• The emergency department entrance and sidewalk will remain open.
• Outside of active construction hours (after 7 p.m.), the emergency department drop-off area will reopen for use. Please continue to use caution around construction activity.
• Traffic control personnel and directional signage will help guide vehicles and pedestrians safely through the site.

What patients and visitors need to know

Please plan extra time when coming to the hospital while this work is underway. For your safety and the safety of others:

• Slow down and drive carefully.
• Watch for construction crews and heavy equipment.
• Follow all posted signs and directions from traffic control personnel.
• Respect fencing and barriers around construction areas.
• Keep vehicle windows closed near construction activity.
• Patients who are able to be dropped off for appointments are encouraged to do so.

Patient safety remains the top priority throughout this work. These changes are designed to improve safe and accessible drop-off and access to the hospital site.

Thank you for your patience and co-operation as work continues on this important project.

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