Premier Christy Clark today announced that government is proceeding with business case planning for a new patient care tower at Penticton Regional Hospital.

"After my visit to Penticton last month, I committed to look at how we can move along plans for the new tower," said Premier Clark. "Penticton residents have been telling us they need an expanded hospital - and we listened."

Penticton Regional Hospital provides regional health services to patients and families in the South Okanagan. The hospital was originally constructed in 1950. Currently, outpatient care components of the hospital need upgrading to meet modern hospital design standards.

"A new hospital in Penticton will be welcomed by patients and their families as well as the hundreds of committed health-care workers who care for them," said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "Moving to business case planning is a critical step in making it a reality."

"Moving ahead with the business case for Penticton Regional Hospital redevelopment is very exciting news," said Interior Health board chair Norman Embree. "The new tower will benefit patients and health professionals alike."

Business case development will get underway next month and is expected to be completed in 2013-14. Following approval of the business case, procurement for construction of a new patient care tower would commence.

The scope, cost and schedule will be finalized as part of the business case. It is anticipated that the capital cost of the redevelopment project will be shared between the Province and the Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District and the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.

"The patient care tower expansion of Penticton Regional Hospital is a high priority for our communities," says Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District board chair Janice Perrino. "We are very happy to see the Province agree to moving forward with the business plan, and look forward to seeing construction begin."

A new tower would maximize interior wood content in accordance with the Wood First Act.

Since 2001-02, approximately $8 billion has been spent on health-sector capital projects in British Columbia.

Over the next three years, British Columbia will benefit from investments, such as new health-care facilities, as part of a $2.3-billion health sector capital plan.

Media Contacts:

Ben Chin
Office of the Premier
250 588-5113

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

Lisa Braman
Communications Officer
IH Central
Interior Health
250 870-5788
250 864-5567 (cell)