A $12.8 million emergency department expansion project at Lady Minto Hospital has been launched with an official ground breaking ceremony. Capital costs are being shared by the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, which has pledged $9.8 million, and the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD), which will contribute $3 million.
“The Lady Minto Hospital means a lot to people living on Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “I thank the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, the Capital Regional Hospital District and all those who donated to the project to make it happen, showing true community spirit.”
“This important expansion at Lady Minto Hospital will create improvements to emergency department patient care,” said Leah Hollins, Board chair, Island Health. “We are grateful to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation and the Capital Regional Hospital District for funding the capital costs for this project and working so collaboratively with our staff and partners to make this project a reality.”
The emergency department redevelopment project includes a 420 square metre (4,500 square feet) building addition, linked to the existing hospital by a new front entry, that will increase the number of treatment rooms/bays from four to eight. Other improvements include an interview room, a medication area, dedicated check-in desk, nursing/team care station with sight lines to all assessment and treatment areas, ambulance bay, decontamination site, accessible washrooms, and expanded patient and family waiting area.
In support of a culturally safe space, engagements with local First Nations communities are expected to take place over the next year. Design elements of the project may incorporate Indigenous influences into work flow, signage, artwork, furniture, fixtures and equipment to ensure spaces are welcoming to everyone who seeks medical care.
“The new Emergency Department is a much-needed addition to our much-loved hospital,” said Dave Taylor, Board Chair, Lady Minto Hospital Foundation. “We were overwhelmed by the community’s generosity when we asked them to get behind the project. And we heard the same thing from person after person during our Capital Campaign: this hospital is the jewel of Salt Spring Island. We’re excited to get construction underway.”
“Lady Minto Hospital is vital to the health and well being of Salt Spring and Gulf Islanders, and upgrading the emergency room, the core of our hospital, has been a longstanding community objective,” said Gary Holman, Capital Regional District Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director. “My thanks to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, Capital Region Hospital District Board and Island Health for bringing this vision to fruition.”
The expansion project is expected to be completed by Fall 2023.
About Island Health:
Island Health provides health care and support services to more than 860,000 people on Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait, and mainland communities north of Powell River. With more than 27,000 staff and over 2,900 physician partners, 1,000 volunteers, and the dedicated support of foundations and auxiliaries, Island Health delivers a broad range of health services, including: public health services, primary health care, home and community care, mental health and addictions services, acute care in hospitals, and much more across a huge, geographically diverse region.
About Lady Minto Hospital Foundation:
The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to raising funds which enhance services and facilities of Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island.
About Capital Regional Hospital District:
A corporation of the CRD, the Capital Regional Hospital District partners with Island Health and community stakeholder agencies to develop and improve healthcare facilities in the region, including replacing buildings that have reached the end of their economic and functional life. Through capital and other community investments, the CRHD supports a healthy, vibrant and livable region for all citizens.
Cowichan/South Island media inquiries:
Andrew Leyne
250-370-8908
Andrew.Leyne@viha.ca
Lady Minto Hospital Foundation
Roberta Martell
250-815-0579
Roberta.Martell@ladymintofoundation.com