Seven new adult ICU beds coming to Royal University Hospital

The adult intensive care unit at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital (RUH) is expanding.

According to SaskBuilds and Procurement, the $17 million project will increase the number of ICU beds from 19 to 26, with the first of two phases of construction starting this week.

The province says the existing space will be renovated to accommodate the seven new beds, and the phased approach to construction will minimize the impact to the ICU.

Existing ICU patients will be relocated to another vacant unit within RUH for the duration of construction, the province says.

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“Expanding ICU capacity at Royal University Hospital means more access to support critically ill and surgical patients in Saskatoon and surrounding areas,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a news release.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) says the expanded capacity will help ensure patients receive life-saving care when they need it most.

“By modernizing the existing ICU and adding seven new beds, we are better equipped to respond to the most complex and urgent patient needs, while also supporting and enhancing the high-quality care delivered by critical care teams to patients during some of their most difficult moments,” said SHA CEO Andrew Will.

“Expanding critical care capacity is important to ensuring patients receive timely, lifesaving care when they need it most.”

The project is also supported by donations through the Royal University Hospital Foundation.