Office of the Premier
Ministry of Health
Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District
Premier commits to planning for Penticton hospital redevelopment – Clark says business plan means business and that government has acted as a road block – but no more.
Christy Clark today announced that government is proceeding with business case planning for a new patient care tower at Penticton Regional Hospital.
“After my visit to Penticton last month, I committed to look at how
we can move along plans for the new tower,” said Premier Clark.
“Penticton residents have been telling us they need an expanded
hospital – and we listened.”
Penticton Regional Hospital provides regional health services to
patients and families in the South Okanagan. The hospital was
originally constructed in 1950. Currently, outpatient care components
of the hospital need upgrading to meet modern hospital design
standards.
“A new hospital in Penticton will be welcomed by patients and their
families as well as the hundreds of committed health-care workers who
care for them,” said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. “Moving to
business case planning is a critical step in making it a reality.”
“Moving ahead with the business case for Penticton Regional Hospital
redevelopment is very exciting news,” said Interior Health board
chair Norman Embree. “The new tower will benefit patients and health
professionals alike.”
Business case development will get underway next month and is
expected to be completed in 2013-14. Following approval of the
business case, procurement for construction of a new patient care
tower would commence.
The scope, cost and schedule will be finalized as part of the
business case. It is anticipated that the capital cost of the
redevelopment project will be shared between the Province and the
Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District and the South
Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.
“The patient care tower expansion of Penticton Regional Hospital is a
high priority for our communities,” says Okanagan Similkameen
Regional Hospital District board chair Janice Perrino. “We are very
happy to see the Province agree to moving forward with the business
plan, and look forward to seeing construction begin.”
A new tower would maximize interior wood content in accordance with
the Wood First Act.
Since 2001-02, approximately $8 billion has been spent on health-
sector capital projects in British Columbia.
Over the next three years, British Columbia will benefit from
investments, such as new health-care facilities, as part of a $2.3-
billion health sector capital plan.
