Earlier this month, the Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) celebrated the official opening of its new main entrance in Tower C where both the Auxiliary’s Gift Shop and Mulvihill Drug Mart are now co-located. The move into new, modernized space, along with the main entrance designation, represents a significant milestone in improved safety and access as well as convenience and an overall enhancement of the hospital experience for patients, visitors and staff.

 

“This is truly a milestone - one that has been years in the making,” said PRH President and CEO Sabine Mersmann as she gathered with hospital leaders, staff, Auxiliary volunteers, community partners and project team members on June 10th.

 

“What we see today is more than a renovated space. It is the result of a shared vision and strong partnerships, coming together to create a welcoming front door for our hospital and our community.”

 

The $2.8 million redevelopment which was supported, in part, by Health Infrastructure Renewal Funding, transformed a historic space - once home to classrooms and a library as part of the Lorrain School of Nursing, into a bright, modern and accessible main entrance that now serves as the primary gateway to the hospital and also offers a peaceful lounge area for those awaiting appointments, waiting for loved ones, or needing a quiet space to sit or recharge electronic devices.

 

The new entrance also improves safety and accessibility by providing a more direct route into the hospital from the Deacon Street parking lot, eliminating the need for patients and visitors to cross the busy Emergency Department and accessible parking areas while also offering shelter from inclement weather as soon as they arrive.

 

The opening marked an important milestone for Mulvihill Drug Mart, which has served the hospital community for more than 25 years.

 

“My family has a long and cherished connection with this hospital,” said Owner and Pharmacist Brian Mulvihill. Recalling early memories of his mother’s years of service with the Hospital’s Auxiliary and her work in the Gift Shop, and his father helping in the pharmacy at PRH, long before there was an actual staff pharmacist, Mr. Mulvihill said their dedication taught him a lot.

 

“Both believed deeply in the hospital’s mission and the importance of supporting patients and families in every way possible. Seeing their dedication taught me that healthcare is about more than medicine - it’s about people.”

 

Adding to the spirit of partnership in this project is the relocation of the Auxiliary’s Gift Shop from the ground floor of Tower B where it has grown and thrived for the past two decades. The PRH Auxiliary, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, has a long-standing history of supporting the hospital through fundraising and the provision of amenities, including the Gift Shop, which enhance the patient experience and the workplace for staff and physicians.

 

Acknowledging that the Gift Shop has long been recognized as a "hidden gem" in the community, Gift Shop Manager Brenda Long shared how excited her team of volunteers have been to move into the new space and be able to properly showcase all of their merchandise while having ample room for customers to browse, try on clothing in the new accessible change room and enjoy a hot beverage from their new coffee bar.

 

“Getting to this point has been a labour of love by all involved,” she said. “All of our volunteers have stepped up and really come together to get everything ready for the move and the subsequent setup of our new space which is more than double the size that we are used to.” She also expressed her thanks to the hospital’s Maintenance and Environmental Services teams for all the work that they did to help them transition to their new home.

 

Before cutting the symbolic ribbon, Mrs. Mersmann acknowledged the many individuals and teams who brought the project to life despite challenges along the way, including construction delays and unexpected infrastructure issues.

 

“Projects of this size are never without challenges, but through it all, our teams remained focused on delivering this vision,” she said. “Standing here today, it was well worth the wait.”

 

Additional enhancements are planned in the coming months, including new exterior signage, improved wayfinding and the future relocation of the Foundation office into the Tower C space - further strengthening it as a central hub within the hospital.

 

PRH is now encouraging patients and visitors to use the Tower C entrance as their primary point of access to the hospital.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Carolyn Levesque, Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator

Pembroke Regional Hospital

(613) 732-3675, extension 6165 / carolyn.levesque@prh.ca