The nurse-call system at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is being replaced to continue providing the safest work and care environment possible.

Due to changes in current technology, the older nurse-call system cannot be upgraded simply. To bring the system at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital into code compliance, total replacement is required.

The project is a routine capital investment, and $324,000 of the $540,000 total project cost will be funded by the government of British Columbia. The Regional Hospital District of Nanaimo is contributing the balance of $216,000.

The nurse-call system replacement is planned to be completed by December 2013.

Since 2001, more than $7 billion has been spent on health-capital projects in British Columbia.

Quotes:

Minister of Health, Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid -

"As our health-care facilities continue to serve our residents, we need to be proactive in upgrading and replacing the services they offer to ensure the best systems possible."

Vancouver Island Health Authority director Facilities Maintenance, Mark Johnstone -

"Maintaining high-level building systems to support staff safety and patient care is a priority. The new nurse-call system will support patient care for those at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for years to come."

Regional Hospital District of Nanaimo board chair Joe Stanhope -

"Accessible care for the community includes a focus on maintaining and developing the hospital's services and features, so that all may benefit from the improvements."

Media Contacts:

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

VIHA Communications
250 739-6303