Construction is finally complete at the new Weyburn General Hospital, which the province hopes will be operational later this year.

The new facility is expected to bring 35 beds, including 25 acute care beds and 10 inpatient mental health beds.

“This health facility represents a long-term investment in dependable public infrastructure for the city of Weyburn and surrounding region,” said SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Sean Wilson in a Wednesday news release.

“Achieving this important milestone reflects our government’s commitment to delivering projects that will serve and protect residents for decades to come.”

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will begin moving furniture, equipment and fixtures into the building in preparation for its scheduled opening date.

“It is wonderful to see construction of the new Weyburn General Hospital complete and extend my deepest gratitude to all partners, including the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation, who have supported this project through to completion,” said Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr.

The Government of Saskatchewan invested over $134 million into the project’s development. Furniture, fixtures, equipment and additional capital costs were funded through community donations and the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation.

“Our government stands by its promise to put patients first and I look forward to opening day, where residents will have convenient access to all their healthcare needs,” Carr added.

The new facility will also have a heliport, EMS ambulance, ambulatory care, social work, allied health workspaces and office space for hospital administration all under its roof.

Jeff Hayward, board chair of Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation, called the completion an “extraordinary milestone.”

“This facility is the result of years of commitment, collaboration, and generosity from countless individuals, businesses, and partners who believed in this vision,” Hayward said.

The hospital was built in partnership between Wright Construction Western Inc., Design and Construction, SaskBuilds and Procurement and the City of Weyburn.