South Eastman Health received an early Christmas gift this week from the Bethesda Foundation. Chief Executive Officer Monique Vielfaure Mackenzie says it relates to the major expansion project being planned for the emergency room. The Foundation agreed about eighteen months ago to pay the 10% community portion required for the project to proceed. Back then, that worked out to $1.4 million of the $14 million price tag.
   
Vielfaure Mackenzie says rising construction costs mean the project could now cost up to $22 million and so the Regional Health Authority asked the Foundation if it would be willing to contribute an extra $800,000. The Foundation has agreed.
   
Vielfaure Mackenzie refers to the Foundation as an incredible partner. She notes by looking after the community contribution, it will allow the project to move forward that much quicker. However, final details are still being worked out with Manitoba Health and Vielfaure Mackenzie is hopeful they can go to tender on the project early in the new year.
   
The board of directors was reminded Thursday that in construction, time is money. Rising construction costs have resulted in the project's price tag increasing 30% per month some months.