About 165 patients a day will soon be going through the new Adult Emergency Department at Royal University Hospital.

Saskatchewan Health Authority and RUH Foundation officials took donors and government representatives on a tour of the department which includes enhanced trauma as well as specially equipped mental health rooms. The new Emergency Department also has minor assessment and treatment spaces in addition to a large ambulance bay with direct access to the STARS air ambulance helipad.

Provincial Head of Emergency Medicine Dr. James Stempien is most excited about the private exam rooms feeling it provides dignity to patients who are in pain and anguish. Foundation C-E-O Arla Gustafson says she has made many visits to RUH Emergency as a patient, mother and daughter and marveled at the care her mother received as a trauma patient who couldn’t breathe. She says families can be reassured the new department will offer even better care with the emotional needs of patients and families in mind. The foundation put up five-million dollars for new technology, advanced equipment and furnishings.