What's the timeline for the $7.4-billion QEII Halifax Infirmary expansion?

The new QEII Halifax Infirmary’s 14-storey tower continues to rise as construction crews complete the ninth level.

As the structure near Robie Street and Bell Road starts to fill out the skyline, the project moves further toward serving Nova Scotians.

So, what can patients and staff expect from the $7.4-billion expansion, and when are the doors expected to open?

Randi Monroe, executive director in the Central Zone for Nova Scotia Health, said this project has been in the works since 2016, when it was decided the Victoria General Hospital was too outdated for health-care needs.

Rather than update an old facility deemed too far gone, a plan for a new building and a 14-level tower at the Halifax Infirmary was enacted. The project is a partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Health and Build Nova Scotia.

“So, it’s not only about replacing old buildings, but it’s also being able to have buildings that can grow with the population that we are predicting in Nova Scotia for the next 30 years,” said Monroe.

She said the new building will be much more accessible.

A larger emergency department, intensive care unit, ambulatory treatment spaces and specialized clinical services are among some of the features of the new tower. It will also hold 16 operating rooms and 216 beds, mostly in private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

“It’s a very specialized hospital and it’s going to replace aging infrastructure,” said Monroe. “We are going to have an emergency room that’s almost double the size of what we have today. It’ll be much larger, much bigger, much more inclusive.”

Project staff are creating a 35-year plan, which will be submitted to the Department of Health and Wellness for review.

Construction started in 2025 but the new space will not open to patients until 2031.

Monroe said the project continues to be on schedule and construction of the exterior is expected to be done by the end of 2027, with crews finalizing the interior by 2030.

“And that gives us a year to get ready, test equipment, train staff, prepare the facility and we’ll be welcoming patients fall of 2031,” said Monroe.

The tower may soon look complete from the exterior, but there will still be work inside.

“We’re just asking people to be patient and know that when we are ready to open, it will be absolutely top-notch and state of the art,” Monroe said.

The total cost of the project is expected to be $7.4 billion, including a 30-year maintenance agreement with the developers.

Monroe said it is a priority to stay within the budget as the project advances, and if cuts need to be made they will likely be in the design portion of the project.

“It’s a very fine line to keep the budget on track,” said Monroe. “It’s a very important element for the design team and for all of us involved. We know it’s a lot of money, and so no one is looking to go over budget.”

Funds for new staff will be provided through a separate proposal. Monroe said staffing needs will be determined closer to the opening date, when analysis will be done on each specialty.

“It will be built so that teams can be as efficient as they can,” said Monroe. “In the world that we are in, technology is an enabler for health-care teams, and it will be a place where our teams want to work.

“It will be a place where patients and families want to be.”

Project staff are hosting pop-up information booths where people can ask questions about the development. One will be held Monday at the Victoria General Hospital.