Health Minister Terry Lake, Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone, elected officials, Interior Health representatives, staff and health-care partners gathered today to mark the start of construction on the new Clinical Services Building.

“Today marks one more step in providing high quality acute care to residents of the Kamloops region and is evidence of our commitment to the full redevelopment of Royal Inland Hospital,” said Lake.

Once complete, the Clinical Services Building will feature an expanded and enhanced space for medical outpatient services, such as IV therapy, as well as the vascular improvement program, lab, community respiratory therapy, pre-surgical screening, cardiology and neurodiagnostics. The Clinical Services Building will also include clinical education program space, the UBC medical school, and improved site access with additional parkade stalls and a pedestrian bridge link connecting the new building to the main hospital.

“The Clinical Services Building will ensure better access to Royal Inland Hospital while addressing the increasing demand for outpatient services,” added Kamloops South Thompson MLA Todd Stone. “The Clinical Services Building is the first phase of Royal Inland Hospital’s redevelopment and will lay the groundwork for future expansion at the hospital.”

Royal Inland Hospital’s walk-in care unit is a busy place. Patients who regularly come in for treatment for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis or iron deficiency - every few weeks, or even several times a week - may find it challenging to walk many steps or longer distances. Outpatients will be able to park just steps from an elevator, which will whisk them directly to a variety of services.

“Interior Health’s priority is the provision of safe, quality care to patients in all areas of our health authority. With the CSB, patients in the Kamloops region will be able to access their patient care needs in an environment that is both expanded and has easier access,” said Interior Health board chair Norman Embree.

In March 2014, Bird Construction was named the design builder for the Clinical Services Building. The company has spent the last month preparing for the construction phase, which will take approximately two years.

“The Clinical Services Building will boost our local economy with new jobs in the construction industry, which is great news for residents of Kamloops and the surrounding region,” said Thompson Regional Hospital District chair Peter Milobar. “I am excited to see the Clinical Services Building project moving forward and eagerly anticipate its completion.”

The Clinical Services Building project cost is approximately $79.8 million, and will be shared between the Province and the Thompson Regional Hospital District. Royal Inland Hospital serves the Kamloops-area as well as patients and families throughout the Thompson, Cariboo and Shuswap regions, from Merritt to Lillooet, and Williams Lake to Salmon Arm.

“The Clinical Services Building represents an important investment in health care for thousands of residents, including those in my hometown of Ashcroft,” said Fraser Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart. “The entire region will benefit from the enhanced services that will be offered at the Clinical Services Building.”

The Clinical Services Building project will create an estimated 280 jobs in direct employment, and an additional 235 jobs in supplier industries.

Media Contacts:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Tracy Watson
Communications Officer
Interior Health
250 314-2100 (ext. 3754) / 250 574-1523