As almost 200 people toured the newly-renovated Emo Health Centre on Tuesday afternoon, the message from many of them was clear–they were thrilled with what they saw.
“It’s a place people would want to go to,” said Moe Henry of Stratton as he enjoyed a coffee and dainty following one of the numerous tours led by nurses and auxiliary members.
The tours, which also ran Wednesday from 1-4 p.m., let district residents get the chance to see all of the $3.3-million worth of improvements to the building–from the 10 long-term care rooms (including two with a set of two beds) to the bathing area to the X-ray room.
“It’s excellent. Super duper. And I’d even say it’s much better than [La Verendrye hospital],” remarked Ruth McHarg of Fort Frances.
“The kitchen’s lovely and I love the colours. Oh, and the guides were very nice,” echoed Susan Johnstone, also of Fort Frances.
Also on hand were Wayne Woods, CEO of Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc., and John McTaggart, chairman of the “Care Close to Home” campaign.
“It’s an exciting time for sure,” enthused Teresa Hazel, director of the Riverside Foundation for Health Care, as she chatted with guests.
“I’ve heard only good things from people,” she added. “They’ve been saying, ‘It’s nice to see an outcome to all the fundraising dollars. It’s nice to see how they’ve been spent.’”
Emo resident Bob Cottam reflected on the difference between the renovated facility and the old hospital.
“One bad thing is Dr. O’Sullivan isn’t here to see it. I’m sure he’d be happy with it,” Cottam remarked. “This is above my expectations–I know it’s more than I anticipated.”
Cottam added he would comfortable knowing a loved one may have to stay there. “My wife is an Alzheimer’s patient and I hope to get her in here,” he said.
Patients are expected to be moved into the 12 long-term care beds in early February. Once fully open, the hospital also will be able accommodate three acute care patients and offer emergency services.
The renovations began last spring. Staff returned to the hospital a couple of weeks ago and set up equipment and readied the rooms.
While some work still is being completed in the basement, this will not affect patient care.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
