The Editor
Penticton Western News
Penticton Herald

I recently toured the Penticton Regional Hospital and during this visit I had the pleasure of meeting many dedicated health professionals and members of the community who care deeply about this important hospital.

I understand the need for a new facility and would like to reaffirm with your readers our government's commitment to a new patient care tower at the hospital.

This project is a high priority for the BC Government and while we recognize that some members of the community would like to get shovels in the ground today, a new hospital is not something that can be built overnight. We need to make sure a plan is in place and that the new facility will serve the community for many years to come. For example, Kelowna General Hospital had its business plan approved in 2007 for the new Centennial Building and the work was completed in 2012.

As for Penticton, I fully expect we will be getting this project underway within a couple of years. The business plan is moving ahead for a new patient care tower at Penticton Regional Hospital. This process began April 2013 and we expect it to be complete next year. The business plan helps determine the timeframe, scope and cost of the new patient care tower. Following approval of this plan, we will procure a contractor to build the new patient care tower.

A major capital project like the Penticton hospital is a large undertaking and we need to ensure the facility is designed appropriately, is tendered and constructed at the best price for taxpayers and most importantly allows quality health services to continue during construction.

Since 2001-2002, we have spent more than $8.4 billion meeting our commitments to build health capital projects in British Columbia, and we will fulfill our commitment to the people of Penticton.

Terry Lake
Minister of Health