The nurse-call system at Ridge Meadows Hospital is being replaced to improve and protect patient safety.

The nurse-call system is being replaced to ensure patients continue to be attended to quickly and efficiently. Due to changes in current technology, the older nurse-call system cannot simply be upgraded. To bring the system at Ridge Meadows Hospital into code compliance, total replacement is required.

The project is a routine capital investment, and the total project cost of $225,000 will be funded by the government of British Columbia. The nurse call system replacement is planned to be completed by January 2013.

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-

"Proactive management of our health-care system gives us a strong foundation to build our future on. Projects that are attentive to our future needs can help us handle today's challenges."

Fraser Health president and CEO, Dr. Nigel Murray-

"We're invested in improving patient safety and care throughout Fraser Health, to continue to provide accessible, efficient and high-level patient care."

Media Contacts:

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

Fraser Health Media Pager
604 450-7881