Health officials have given more detail on the transformation of the old Costco building in the capital city’s east-end into what the Department of Health calls an Ambulatory Care Hub.

The provincial government has awarded an $82 million, 20-year contract to Newfoundland and Labrador Health Alliance for the lease of the old Costco building.

Health Minister Tom Osborne says the new facility will provide a range of services that do not require overnight hospitalization including physiotherapy, medicine and surgery clinics, general x-rays and ultrasounds.

Minister Osborne says the new ambulatory hub will allow easier access to services as there is plenty of parking, while reducing foot and vehicle traffic at hospitals.

He acknowledges a shortage of health care professionals but says recruiting efforts by the government are beginning to pay off as they are able to keep hospital facilities open more regularly.

The minister says they are having a significantly fewer diversions from ERs and the like now than in the recent past.