Backgrounder
Priority Access Beds for Veterans in Saint John, NB

October 21, 2000

Under an agreement with the Province of New Brunswick, Veterans Affairs Canada has priority access to a total of 80 beds for veterans in Saint John. Currently, these beds are located at Ridgewood Veterans Wing (60), the Saint John Regional Hospital (10) and St. Joseph's Hospital (10). All three facilities form part of the Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation.

Opened in 1977, Ridgewood Veterans Wing now requires upgrading so as to offer the optimum level of care to veterans and meet their current needs. In its expansion design for Ridgewood that will consolidate all 80 Saint John area beds at the one site, Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation has addressed these requirements. The consolidation of beds will permit better sharing of facilities, staff and other resources. The Province of New Brunswick has agreed to the Corporation's proposal.

The new building will include a 24-bed dementia unit, a palliative care room and a secure outdoor area. It will also be air-conditioned.

Veterans Affairs Canada will fund the project's $3.4 million cost, through a multi-year bed agreement with the Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation. The funds are part of the $14 million for improvements to long-term care facilities within the Atlantic region, announced by then Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable George Baker, at the Dominion Convention of the Royal Canadian Legion, in Halifax, on June 12, 2000.