A new MRI machine is coming to the Jim Pattison Outpatient and Surgical Centre to help increase patient access to MRI services, and is expected to be in place in 2018.

North Vancouver-area MLAs joined with members of the community to celebrate the launch of Foundry North Shore, a new integrated youth service centre.

The Province, in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, announced a $102-million project for 16 new state-of-the-art operating rooms to be built at the Jim Pattison Pavilion at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH).

The Province has provided $7.125 million to create new hospice beds in communities around British Columbia, make improvements to current spaces, and support best practices in the palliative approach to care as well as advance care planning, working through the BC Centre for Palliative Care.

The Province has provided $123,000 for improved access to hospice palliative care in Kamloops.

From the opening the newest hospital on Haida Gwaii, to preparing for construction of a new Centre for Mental Health and Addictions, 2016 strengthened health care for families around the province and 2017 is expected to continue to do so.

Darryl Plecas, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health, issued the following statement in support of seniors during the holiday season:

Comfort can come in many different forms and for many patients, a visit from a furry friend can really brighten their day.