The ceremonies were also a way to thank the Halifax Regional Foundation for its contribution in bringing the fifth floor project to completion and getting the third floor project started.

“It's really a bright day,” said HRMC Administrator Will Mahone, who thanked the foundation for its contribution — $250,000 for the fifth floor project and $500,000 for the third floor.

“The whole goal is to help Halifax Regional,” said Rose Fleming, chair of the foundation board.

The foundation has already been responsible for a $670,000 mammography project, Fleming said. “We have done really well.”

The digital mammography fundraising campaign started in 2011 and was the first capital campaign of the foundation.

Fleming said the third floor renovation is expected to begin in September and will be done with patients in mind.

Bob Patterson, chair of the hospital board of directors, said, “Where would we be without the foundation? The mammography project, the fifth floor project and the tremendous donation for the third floor helps the hospital provide superior healthcare.”

The third floor is home to the progressive care unit, said Lolita Magnaye, nurse manager. It's where patients with cardiac and respiratory needs are cared for.

Magnaye said the third floor, due to its age, is in need of repairs from the floor to ceiling.

The renovation, she said, “Will build customer satisfaction.”

A video explained many of the renovations completed on the fifth floor, which is a medical surgical unit. It included a 38-patient room upgrade, adding protective walls and upgrades designed for patient convenience.

The third floor will have similar upgrades.