The emergency generator at the Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre is being replaced to ensure patients at the facility experience safe, reliable and accessible care. The generator must be replaced to ensure the facility has emergency power when needed.

The project is a routine capital investment and $105,000 of the $175,000 total project cost will be funded by the government of British Columbia. The Thompson Regional Hospital District is contributing the balance of $70,000.

The emergency generator replacement is planned to be completed by March 2013.

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

Quotes:

Minister of Health, Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid -

"In any situation, providing reliable care is our utmost priority. Patients need to be as safe as possible in our facilities and providing regular maintenance and upgrades, like replacing our emergency generators, are ways we can ensure this."

Interior Health Authority president and CEO Dr. Robert Halpenny -

"Funding regular maintenance projects remains important in maintaining facilities for future generations. Interior Health has ensured attention is turned toward making sure these facilities are safe, reliable and comfortable."

Thompson Regional Hospital District board chair Peter Milobar -

"The Regional Hospital District is committed to supporting the emergency generator replacement project so that our citizens can receive the best possible care in a safe environment."

Media Contacts:

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

Erin Toews
Interior Health Communications
250 314-2100 ext. 3750
250 574-1523