A $300-million modernization project is underway at the Montreal General Hospital.
Quebec Health Minister Gaetan Barrette announced the start of studies and planning for new operating rooms, emergency room and sterilization facilities.
Barrette said it's important to bring the facilities up to date.
The operating rooms were built in the 60s — cramped spaces that cannot accommodate all the specialized equipment needed.
The hospital has one of three trauma centres in the province and is the only one downtown. It treats 10,000 trauma victims a year.
The new facilities are expected to be built in the existing A, C and D wings.
Two million dollars will go towards feasibility studies.
Barrette said if they find out they can't build in the existing wings, they'll build elsewhere on the premises but that "it will happen."
Barrette said the preliminary phases will take two to four years, adding that no such major project can be built in under four years.
The hospital's foundation will kick in $30-million for the project.