Six QEII nurses bringing clinical expertise to the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project
May 12, 2025—At the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project (HIEP), it’s not just engineers and architects shaping the future of healthcare—it’s nurses too.
Six dedicated nursing professionals, who once spent their days at patients’ bedsides, now help create the very spaces where care will happen for generations to come.
For Stephanie Walsh, senior clinical director, stepping into redevelopment felt like a natural extension of her lifelong calling. “I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was seven years old,” she says. “For me, nursing has always been about compassion and service—making a difference when people need it most.”
Now, she channels that passion into designing clinical spaces that work. “My goal is to ensure that every square foot of our programmed clinical areas benefits both patients and healthcare professionals, promoting a healing environment. We’re not just building a structure; we’re creating the physical foundation for exceptional care.”
Suzanne Rhodenizer, director of clinical planning, offers another vital perspective rooted in years of infection prevention and control expertise.
“As a nurse, I experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to deliver care in spaces that weren’t designed with patients or providers in mind,” Suzanne says. “In redevelopment, I have the opportunity to advocate for environments and technologies that truly support the patient journey and empower care teams. It’s about creating spaces where everyone—patients, families, and staff—can thrive.”
Andrea Samchyk, director of operational readiness, also brings a strong legacy of care to her work. Andrea now leads a team focused on preparing the new facility for operations.
“Change management is one of the most powerful tools we have to transform healthcare delivery,” she explains. “By embracing change at every phase, we can create spaces where teams reimagine workflows and adopt innovations that ultimately centre on the patient.”
Shelley Leverman-Peddle, director of clinical planning, sees her role as a continuation of her family’s nursing legacy. “I’m proud to be the third generation of nurses in my family,” she says. “Improving the spaces where we deliver care is paramount to the patient and provider experience.”
Shelley is helping to design critical care units and inpatient spaces. “We are creating environments that improve overall outcomes and the delivery of care. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Vivian LaPointe, infection control specialist, brings a crucial perspective from her years in oncology nursing and infection prevention. “I thought it was a crazy idea—giving up my stethoscope for a hard hat and steel-toe boots,” Vivian laughs. “But I’ve never felt more challenged or excited.”
From overseeing construction site audits to designing isolation rooms, Vivian’s focus is clear: “Patient safety is fundamental. My dream is to see reduced wait times and an improved admission-to-discharge experience.”
Beth Tupala, manager of clinical equipment planning, brings a mix of nursing, leadership, and project management to her role. “I love that nursing takes place in so many different settings,” Beth says. “Now, I get to have an indirect impact on patients by making sure the right equipment is in the right place.”
While their tools and daily routines look different now, these six nurses share a common purpose: to design an acute care tower that reflects the heart of healthcare.
As the Halifax Infirmary’s new Acute Care Tower rises from the ground, it carries with it not just steel and glass—but the spirit, dedication, and compassion of those who have worn both scrubs and hard hats.
By 2031, when the first patients walk through its doors, they’ll see a state-of-the-art facility built with the firsthand insight and wisdom of nurses who continue to transform lives and leave a lasting legacy.