Yarmouth’s MLA says renovations are needed soon at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital emergency department.

The previous provincial government announced a redevelopment project for the Yarmouth department in 2020, but the Houston government has yet to begin the work.

Zach Churchill, who is also Nova Scotia’s Liberal leader says wait times are 10-12 hours on average for patients.

“It’s always over capacity, and it’s hard for the doctors and nurses to do their work. It’s also challenging for patients, not just from a healthcare perspective but a privacy perspective,” said Churchill.

The province says the design phase is done, and they’re starting to move through the next part of the process.

That includes seeking full project funding to carry out construction.

Churchill says work was supposed to begin in 2022.

“They are behind by 2 years. They have to prioritize this, or else this is going to continue for people in the Tri-Counties.”

Argyle MLA Colton LeBlanc, who is also the Minister of Service Nova Scotia says he’s seen the challenges first hand.

“Overcrowding and lack of space and privacy. I know that poses concerns for staff, patients and families. I’m committed to supporting this project along the next steps of approvals,” said LeBlanc.

He says this is the same process that all capital construction projects go through.

LeBlanc adds there have been collaborations through the final design on how the department can deliver better healthcare for future generations.