Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

(photographed above: Dr. Curtis Johnston, Medical Director of RAH, Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO, Alberta Health Services, Sarah Hoffman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Government of Alberta, Judith Hockney, Senior Operating Officer RAH, and Margaret Wetzstein, Registered Nurse, RAH cut the ribbon at the grand opening) 

This past week saw the official opening of the newly renovated emergency room at Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH). The extensive renovations are expected to improve the patient experience by providing for improved patient privacy and additional safety in the emergency department.

The remodelled entry, triage, admission, security, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and waiting room areas opened their doors to patients on Thursday morning.

Adding to the improved patient comforts, donor contributions via the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation funded the installation of two stunningly gorgeous tile mosaic pillars, created by local artist Theodora Harasymiw. Foundation funding, from the Royal Alexandra Nursing Alumnae, is set to provide the furnishings for the future family quiet room that will be completed in the final phase of the renovation before the end of 2016; a $30,000 contribution from the foundation in total.

"We need to say thank you to the role of our donors. Once again, they have supported and enhanced an important area at our hospital," says Sharlene Rutherford, Vice President and COO of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.  "The emergency department is where many people experience deeply personal and far-reaching implications regarding their health. It is our hope that the beautiful mosaic art will provide a measure of comfort to the patients and families who come here, and the staff and physicians who provide their lifesaving care."

 

The work of Edmonton artist Theodora Harasymiw, who’s talent in the creation of mosaics have been applied to this redeveloped space in the hospital will hopefully be a compelling determinant in the hospital’s continued focus on the improving the patient experience.

“These renovations at the Royal Alexandra emergency department provide greater comfort and privacy to patients and their families at a time when they need it,” said Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health. “This is one example of how our government is investing in long-neglected repairs and upgrades at Alberta health care facilities with our commitment to accessible, patient-focused, quality health care delivery.”

The RAH emergency department is one of the busiest in Edmonton, typically seeing about 220 patients each day. The staff and physicians serve the local inner-city community, the greater Edmonton area, and central and northern Alberta. 

The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation was keen to allocate funds to support this part of our hospital when asked to do so. We are very proud of our donors and their contributions to this extremely important need in our hospital.

(photo of local Edmonton artist Theodora Harasymiw and CTV's Carmen Libel with the pillars designed by Theodora)