As reported in the Cape Breton Post,  an expansion of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital is another step closer to reality, with the province issuing a request for proposals for companies interested in managing the construction of the major project.

The province is now inviting bids from companies interested in bidding on the work. The project, announced in June 2018, will see Cape Breton Regional Hospital get a new emergency department, critical care department and cancer centre. All three services will be part of the new 190,000 square-foot building to be built at the back of the hospital as part of the CBRM healthcare redevelopment project.

The deadline for submissions is Oct. 30.

The McNeil government’s redevelopment plan also involves an expansion of the emergency department at the Glace Bay Hospital and the closure of community hospitals in New Waterford and North Sydney, to be replaced by healthcare centres which will not have emergency departments.

The province has indicated the intention is to improve access to care, create more reliable, sustainable services and modernize facilities that will improve the work environment and help with recruitment and retention of health professionals.

The redevelopment also includes construction of a new laundry centre in North Sydney. The New Waterford project will be constructed at the site of Breton Education Centre, and will also include building a new school, modern community health centre and long-term care home in New Waterford.

Keep reading in the Cape Breton Post