QE II Health Sciences Centre: Connecting care for Nova Scotians

The Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Health Sciences Centre is one of 17 Canadian academic health networks. Located in downtown Halifax, it spans both campuses – the Victoria and Centennial sites and the newer Halifax Infirmary.

To address ageing infrastructure and reflect evolving models of care, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (DTIR) and the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) sought to consolidate services into new facilities at the Halifax Infirmary.

Kasian was engaged to design a comprehensive master plan for the 1.7 million-square-foot site – the largest healthcare infrastructure project in Nova Scotia’s history. The plan established a 50-year vision for redevelopment, guided by clinical priorities and interdependencies across the care environment. This ensures programs and services are located appropriately to achieve excellence in health, learning, and research, while positioning the QEII to attract and retain top healthcare talent.

Despite the urgency of relocating services, a collaborative process ensured stakeholder support with engagement of clinical and support groups as well as senior government leaders. Large 3D foamcore models replaced traditional drawings, enabling participants to explore site opportunities and constraints. This process successfully planned the relocation of 700,000 square feet of critical programs, including operating rooms, intensive care units, inpatient units, and ambulatory clinics.

The master plan’s roadmap delivers on the Province’s goal of providing “Connected Care for Nova Scotians.” Its long-term development plan generated renewed confidence among government and health authority leaders, advancing procurement for the next phase of QEII’s redevelopment.

“The visions that the architectural teams are coming up with are quite exciting. There’s a respect for the community and respect for environment, with more natural light to promote health and healing.” – Dr. David Kirkpatrick, Chief of Surgery for NHSA central zone and QEII HSC

Master Planning is as much an art as it is a science. Working with diverse stakeholders is a challenge that requires both hard and soft skills to inspire the dreamers while considering the naysayers. In the end, the ‘ah-ha’ moments won the day.” –  Ian Sinclair, Principal – VP Healthcare, National Healthcare Lead, Kasian