The medical air compressors at St. Paul's Hospital are being replaced to maintain patient safety.

Medical air compressors provide high-quality compressed air to support medical devices like adult and infant ventilators. Replacement of the medical air compressors and current water-cooled units at St. Paul's will allow the facility to remain compliant with current code standards for medical gas.

Because medical air compressors directly affect patients, replacing the compressors is an important step for maintaining and improving patient safety.

The project is a routine capital investment and $400,000, the total project cost, will be funded by the government of British Columbia. The medical air compressors replacement is planned to be completed by February 2013.

In June 2012, Premier Christy Clark announced that the redevelopment of St. Paul's Hospital was moving ahead with the concept plan to be finalized.

Since 2001, more than $7 billion has been spent on health-capital projects in British Columbia. Over the next three years, British Columbia's health-care system will benefit from investments including new medical equipment and modernized health facilities as part of a $2.3-billion health-sector capital plan.

Quotes:

Minister of Health, Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid-

"Patient safety is of the utmost importance. Families trust our facilities to ensure their loved ones receive the kind of care that improves their health and well-being while addressing and maintaining safety."

Providence Health Care CEO and president Dianne Doyle-

"A safe and attentive care environment contributes greatly to patient health. That's why it is so important to address patient safety - this helps everyone."

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Dave Lefebvre
Senior Communications Specialist - Media Relations
Providence Health Care
604 682-2344, ext. 66987
604 837-6003 (cell)