A ribbon has been cut to mark the opening of an expanded Quinte Health Intensive Care Unit.
The new ICU is based out of Belleville General Hospital, but will serve patients across Quinte Health’s area, including North Hastings.
Officials gathered to celebrate the opening of the $4.3-million project Wednesday. Quinte Health officials say the space has been expanded to accommodate three more patients.
The new room allows for health care workers to care for the sickest patients, all in one place, which Quinte Health says “is preferred for continuity and a team approach to care.” Previously, demand on the ICU was so great that a satellite unit had to be created.
Fundraising groups linked to all four Quinte Health regions contributed to the project. That includes the North Hastings Fund Development Committee.
Its chair, Kim Bishop, said “with collaboration from all Quinte Health hospitals, doctors and nurses will be able to continue offering healing, comfort and hope to a larger number of critically ill patients.”