The Health Services Foundation of the South Shore, in partnership with Nova Scotia Health, is pleased to announce the funding of eight addition patient beds to support overflow patient needs at South Shore Regional Hospital.

Funding of $100,000 for these beds comes as part of the Brighter Days capital campaign’s goal increase, announced in 2022.

Brighter Days Campaign Co-Chair David Himmelman says the volunteer fundraisers of the campaign find securing these new beds one of the more satisfying accomplishments of the campaign. 

“For an 89-bed hospital, this is a big deal. This is a great example of what can happen when health care foundations and Nova Scotia Health work together to find solutions.”

Eric Whynot recently found himself as a week-long patient of the Emergency Department at South Shore Regional while waiting for a medical test in Halifax. Typically, a patient in Eric’s position would be admitted to the hospital’s medical floor, however no beds were available. On top of being a Director of the Health Services Foundation, as a former patient, Eric is pleased these extra beds will be there to allow other patients in similar situations to be able to move out of the sometimes-stressful environment of the Emergency Department.

“While during the day you have visitors to keep you company, the nights are challenging while you’re trying to recover. It’s hard to sleep, there’s constantly people coming and going, and various equipment sounds. I also felt bad I was taking up a bed in the Emergency Department as there were people coming in probably sicker than I. These new beds will come as a relief to medical staff and patients in need.”

“We are always grateful for the support from our partners with the Health Services Foundation who play such a key role in making sure our staff and physicians have the tools and equipment they need to provide quality care to their patients,” said Alyson Lamb, Executive Director Health Services, Nova Scotia Health. “Having the additional beds will make a difference in how patients move safely through our facility to receive care in the most appropriate spaces. We know that additional beds also require appropriate staffing and resources, which are areas that have always benefited from the support of our Foundation.”

 The Brighter Days Capital Campaign is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help ensure the residents of Nova Scotia’s South Shore have access to the best available health care facilities. The 48,705 sq. ft. expansion and redevelopment of the hospital is expected to be completed in stages, between 2025 & 2027.