The new Emergency Room at the hospital in Bonavista is officially opened.

The new ER opened to patients on October 24 while the health authority officially marked the occasion today.

The facility includes seven treatment spaces and state-of-the-art equipment.

Patients can access the new ER by a new entrance at the rear of the building, with a new parking lot behind the hospital.

Signs are in place to direct patients.

The Bonavista Hospital ER encountered difficulties in recent years due to staff shortages. The provincial government has been working on ways to secure staff at the facility to prevent diversions to Clarenville.