Yarmouth Regional Hospital emergency department redevelopment in full swing

Yarmouth Regional Hospital (YRH) is a busy site, delivering healthcare services to residents of Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby counties. Since the spring of 2025, it has also become a hub of construction activity, following the start of the emergency department redevelopment project.

Dr. Joe Gillis, an emergency physician at YRH, has been closely involved in planning the redevelopment. Originally from Creignish, Cape Breton, Gillis has worked as a physician in Yarmouth since 2015, providing care in the emergency department as well as serving as a family doctor and hospitalist. He says the expansion will significantly improve the experience for staff, physicians, patients and families alike.

“For staff and physicians, the redevelopment will provide purpose-built clinical spaces that will improve the flow of the department and support teamwork,” Gillis said. “For patients and families, it will mean a more comfortable experience during what can often be stressful moments with improved privacy and confidentiality. We’re all looking forward to a new, modern space with improved technology that was designed with the patient experience in mind.”

The YRH emergency department redevelopment project will double the size of the current department and includes upgrades to the hospital’s emergency power supply and generator system, benefiting the entire facility. The new emergency department will feature, among other things, expanded triage areas, a resuscitation and trauma room, virtual-care exam rooms, a dedicated children’s waiting area, a specialized ear, nose and throat space and room for twice as many ambulances. The upgraded power supply will improve efficiency and safety for the entire facility.

“Overall, the project will improve how patients and staff move through the department,” Gillis added. “The expanded space will give staff and physicians appropriate areas to work and collaborate, while creating a more welcoming environment for patients and families. The project will help ensure the emergency department can meet both current needs and allow the ability to adapt to future changes in healthcare.”

Construction is now in full swing, with significant activity taking place across the hospital property. Excavation is underway, and the community should see steel beams and walls going up soon. The new emergency department is expected to be completed in 2027.

Throughout the construction process, efforts are being made to minimize disruption for patients, visitors and staff. Hospital parking continues to be a challenge, but new parking spots are being created around the property. Construction crews and signage are in place to ensure access to the hospital services remains safe and efficient.

Gillis said excitement surrounding the project is building.

“As construction continues, anticipation is building across the community. The new emergency department will play a key role in strengthening the delivery of healthcare services across Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby counties for decades to come. It will be a celebrated milestone for healthcare locally when the project is complete.”

Photo of Dr. Joe Gillis by Doctors of Nova Scotia.