Government of B.C. Government of B.C.
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to site search
  • Skip to side bar
  • Skip to footer

BC Gov News

  • Home
  • Ministries
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast
  • Office of the Premier
  • Agriculture and Food
  • Attorney General
  • Children and Family Development
  • Citizens' Services
  • Education and Child Care
  • Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
  • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
  • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  • Finance
  • Forests
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
  • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
  • Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
  • Labour
  • Mental Health and Addictions
  • Municipal Affairs
  • Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
  • Public Safety and Solicitor General
  • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
  • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
  • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

close menu Office of the Premier

B.C. supports collaborative marine conservation, economic development on North Coast

December 5, 2023 9:15 AM
Creating sustainable jobs and protecting the Great Bear Sea
The B.C. government is protecting vital coastal ecosystems, creating new jobs and advancing sustainable fisheries and economic opportunities in the Northern Shelf Bioregion (also known as the Great Bear Sea) in partnership with First Nations, the federal government and donors.
  Read More

First-of-its-kind, seamless addictions care available in Vancouver

December 4, 2023 10:45 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THE PREMIER
More from the Premier
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Premier's Bio

close menu Agriculture and Food

Program will help B.C. food processors expand, increase production

December 6, 2023 11:30 AM
B.C. food-processing companies looking to scale up and feed more people are benefiting from a program that is helping them increase their businesses’ productivity and competitiveness by improving their facilities and equipment.
  Read More

Canada, B.C. supporting B.C. farmers with access to technology

November 24, 2023 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Attorney General

Law protecting whistle-blowers now in force in public K-12 schools

December 1, 2023 8:45 AM
Employees will benefit from new protections when bringing forward concerns about serious wrongdoing as the scope of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) expands to the public K-12 education sector, effective Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.
  Read More

Government taking action to protect communities against hate, violence

November 15, 2023 2:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Children and Family Development

Emergency shelter for vulnerable youth opens in Maple Ridge

December 6, 2023 2:15 PM
Youth emergency shelter opens in Maple Ridge
Vulnerable youth in need of a safe place to stay can now access 24/7 overnight accommodation services at a new Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) in Maple Ridge.
  Read More

Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations sign agreement on jurisdiction pathway

November 15, 2023 3:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Citizens' Services

Robson Square ice rink opens for the season

December 1, 2023 10:20 AM
Robson Square ice rink opens
A tradition celebrating the holiday season brings winter fun to residents and visitors with the opening of the Robson Square ice rink.
  Read More

Better data making life better for British Columbians

November 23, 2023 9:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Education and Child Care

Thousands of new student spaces coming to B.C. schools faster

December 5, 2023 10:15 AM
Twelve new school additions will mean more student spaces as early as the 2024-25 school year in fast-growing communities across the province.
  Read More

New child care centre opens at Ralph Bell Elementary in Kamloops

December 4, 2023 11:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

New emergency management legislation, task force pave way for resilient communities

October 3, 2023 11:22 AM
A group of firefighters gather around a helicopter
People and communities in British Columbia will be better prepared for emergencies and disasters under the most comprehensive and progressive emergency management framework in Canada with the introduction of the emergency and disaster management act, and the launch of an expert task force on emergencies.
  Read More

Province supports climate-emergency project in Rossland

November 1, 2023 8:12 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

B.C. making it easier to buy zero-emission vehicles

October 24, 2023 12:45 PM
B.C. making it easier to buy zero-emission vehicles
British Columbia is accelerating its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets and helping more people go electric.
  Read More

Province creating new opportunities in hydrogen economy, commercial trucking

November 16, 2023 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

New plastic requirements will give people better choices

December 1, 2023 2:30 PM
The Province continues to take action to support the clean economy by preventing plastic waste and pollution.
  Read More

Day-use passes in effect at Mount Seymour Park

December 5, 2023 7:45 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Finance

B.C.’s economy forecast to slow in 2024, followed by steady growth

December 4, 2023 12:08 PM
B.C.’s economy forecast to slow in 2024, followed by steady growth
Private-sector forecasters expect B.C., like Canada, to see slower economic growth through 2024 due to high interest rates and a softening global economy before growing steadily in the medium term.
  Read More

Speculation and vacancy tax continues to support homes for people

December 4, 2023 11:45 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Forests

Province launches made-in-B.C. conservation tool, takes further action on old-growth forest

October 26, 2023 12:30 PM
Taking further action on old-growth forest
The Province is accelerating protection of B.C.’s oldest and rarest trees while benefiting communities and wildlife by launching a new $300-million Conservation Financing Mechanism – $150 million from the Province, matched by a commitment to raise an additional $150 million from the BC Parks Foundation.  
  Read More

Changes to lumber regulation will drive local manufacturing, job growth

December 4, 2023 2:45 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Health

Province expands health-care workforce and increases patient access

December 5, 2023 12:00 AM
Province expands health-care workforce and increases patient access
More people are getting care faster and closer to home, and the health-care workforce is better supported as the Province makes significant progress on expanding the health-care workforce and strengthening B.C.’s public health-care system.
  Read More

Province supports allied health workforce, improves patient care

December 6, 2023 1:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Housing

New regulations make EV charging requests easier in strata developments

December 6, 2023 10:30 AM
New regulations will make it easier for people living in strata developments to request electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations where they live.
  Read More

More than 1,000 new affordable homes coming for Indigenous people

December 1, 2023 10:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C., First Nations leaders gather to advance relationships

November 2, 2023 8:00 AM
XʷMƏƟKʷƏY̓ƏM (MUSQUEAM), SḴWX̱WÚ7MESH (SQUAMISH) AND SƏLILWƏTAɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH) TERRITORIES / VANCOUVER – First Nations leaders and provincial officials from across B.C. are coming together for the eighth B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering, working together to recognize, respect and advance government-to-government relationships.
  Read More

Annual report updates collective efforts to achieve objectives of UN Declaration

June 28, 2023 12:45 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians

August 7, 2023 6:15 AM
B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
Fourteen exceptional people who have made an outstanding provincial, national or international impact will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition and an official part of the Canadian Honours System.
  Read More

Funding supports three francophone initiatives in B.C.

November 4, 2023 5:32 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News

close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Hundreds of clean, highly skilled jobs coming to Maple Ridge

November 14, 2023 1:52 PM
New manufacturing plant will bring hundreds of jobs to BC
A $1.05-billion partnership between E-One Moli and the governments of B.C. and Canada will bring lithium-ion battery cell production to Maple Ridge and create 450 high-quality, permanent jobs that are key to growing the province’s clean economy.
  Read More

Minister’s statement on November Labour Force Survey results

December 1, 2023 9:37 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Labour

Fairness coming for gig workers

November 16, 2023 1:15 PM
Taking action to improve working conditions for app-based gig workers
App-based ride-hailing and food-delivery gig workers will soon have better working conditions with new protections, including basic employment standards.
  Read More

Three reappointments made to WorkSafeBC board

December 5, 2023 8:45 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Mental Health and Addictions

First-of-its-kind, seamless addictions care available in Vancouver

December 4, 2023 10:45 AM
First-of-its-kind, seamless addictions care available in Vancouver
People with addiction challenges are getting better, seamless treatment and recovery care through the new Road to Recovery initiative at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
  Read More

More supports coming to Vernon for mental-health, substance-use crises

December 1, 2023 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Municipal Affairs

Governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in wastewater infrastructure improvements in Kimberley

December 5, 2023 4:00 PM
From Infrastructure Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2023/12/governments-of-canada-and-british-columbia-invest-in-wastewater-infrastructure-improvements-in-kimberley.html
  Read More

More child care spaces, health-care supports for people in northern B.C.

November 28, 2023 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Labour Market Outlook offers exciting look into the future

November 24, 2023 11:15 AM
Everyone can find their path to succeed in BC's workforce
With approximately one million job openings expected, the Labour Market Outlook and Find Your Path tool provide British Columbians with information to identify and access future educational and career opportunities in an exciting decade.
  Read More

New pilot project supports restaurant industry’s workforce development

November 30, 2023 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Government supports continued research to reduce gambling-related harms

December 5, 2023 11:15 AM
The Province and the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) have renewed their investment of approximately $1.4 million in the Centre for Gambling Research at UBC, signalling a dedicated effort to reduce the potential harms associated with gambling for people in British Columbia.
  Read More

More supports coming to Vernon for mental-health, substance-use crises

December 1, 2023 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

People in B.C. to benefit from healthier, stronger communities through boost to non-profits

October 30, 2023 12:30 PM
Non-Profit Recognition Day
People in B.C. will benefit from community support, arts and culture services, and support to find affordable housing, as the Province provides additional grants for non-profit organizations building healthier, more inclusive and stronger communities.
  Read More

Funding for improved public services will benefit First Nations governments, youth

November 23, 2023 3:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Dec. 12 proclaimed Christine Sinclair Day

December 1, 2023 9:30 AM
December 12 proclaimed Christine Sinclair Day!
Dec. 12 will be proclaimed Christine Sinclair Day in B.C. to recognize the extraordinary career and outstanding achievements in sport of the Canadian women’s soccer legend.
  Read More

Public engagement begins for new South Asian Canadian museum

November 21, 2023 9:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Modernized Simon Fraser Bridge opening this weekend

December 1, 2023 2:00 PM
Modernized Simon Fraser Bridge opening this weekend
The Simon Fraser Bridge will fully reopen this weekend, with the completion of upgrades that will extend the life of this highway connection for people in and around Prince George.
  Read More

Eight new station names announced for Surrey Langley SkyTrain

December 1, 2023 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

B.C. supports collaborative marine conservation, economic development on North Coast

December 5, 2023 9:15 AM
Creating sustainable jobs and protecting the Great Bear Sea
The B.C. government is protecting vital coastal ecosystems, creating new jobs and advancing sustainable fisheries and economic opportunities in the Northern Shelf Bioregion (also known as the Great Bear Sea) in partnership with First Nations, the federal government and donors.
  Read More

More sustainability projects support wild Pacific salmon, recreational fishing

November 24, 2023 1:45 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Home
  • Ministries
    • Office of the Premier
    • Agriculture and Food
    • Attorney General
    • Children and Family Development
    • Citizens' Services
    • Education and Child Care
    • Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
    • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
    • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
    • Finance
    • Forests
    • Health
    • Housing
    • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
    • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
    • Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
    • Labour
    • Mental Health and Addictions
    • Municipal Affairs
    • Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
    • Public Safety and Solicitor General
    • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
    • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
    • Transportation and Infrastructure
    • Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast

Health

Next step toward Merritt's new emergency department

Share

More from this Ministry
Honourable Adrian Dix

Honourable Adrian Dix

Minister of Health and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs

Read Bio

Contact

Email: HLTH.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Health

Province expands health-care workforce and increases patient access

December 5, 2023 12:00 AM
Province expands health-care workforce and increases patient access
More people are getting care faster and closer to home, and the health-care workforce is better supported as the Province makes significant progress on expanding the health-care workforce and strengthening B.C.’s public health-care system.
  Read More

Province supports allied health workforce, improves patient care

December 6, 2023 1:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Print

Health

British Columbia News

Next step toward Merritt's new emergency department

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08782

Share

News Release

Merritt
Thursday, July 2, 2015 2:15 PM

Share

News Release

Merritt

Thursday, July 2, 2015 2:15 PM

More from this Ministry

  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Visit Ministry Website

Featured Topics

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Health & Drug Coverage
  • Accessing Health Care
  • Health Forms
  • Office of the Provincial Health Officer
  • Office of Indigenous Health

Featured Services

  • Medical Services Plan
  • PharmaCare
  • HealthLink BC
  • Vital Statistics
  • Health Care Complaints

Upgrades are in the works for the emergency department at the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre, benefiting patients and health professionals.

“The dedicated staff at Nicola Valley Hospital do outstanding work to care for local patients and provide excellent emergency care for the region,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “Today’s announcement is a big step toward an upgraded facility that will further strengthen emergency health services in the Nicola Valley and the Coquihalla corridor.”

The initial planning stage is underway as Interior Health has released a request for proposals for architectural and planning consultants to develop a plan to assess the physical space and health-care service requirements for the hospital’s emergency department.

“The community has looked forward to this project for a long time,” said Jackie Tegart, Fraser-Nicola MLA. “This is great news - an important investment in health-care services in the community. We know that having modern health-care facilities and services are important criteria for many businesses and families in their decision to locate in communities. I’m excited about what this may mean for the future of the Merritt region.”

During the planning process, the consultants will consider patient privacy and confidentiality, safety, infection prevention and control measures, and patient access and flow.

“Interior Health is committed to the provision of quality health-care to all of its residents,” said Interior Health board chair Erwin Malzer. “This important work is the first of several steps required to proceed with a renovation to Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre’s emergency department, which serves so many residents in the Merritt region.”

The cost of the planning will be approximately $600,000, to be cost-shared between the Province, through Interior Health, and the Thompson Regional Hospital District.

“The Thompson Regional Hospital District is pleased to be partnering in this project. A renovation to the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre’s emergency department will serve residents of this region, as well as the many tourists who travel through our beautiful area every year,” said Peter Milobar, Thompson Regional Hospital District chair.

This phase is expected to take approximately nine to 12 months to complete.

Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre is located in Merritt, at the intersection of four busy highways, including the Coquihalla Highway. Built in 1964, the hospital serves a population of approximately 12,000 people.

The Ministry of Health has developed Setting Priorities for the B.C. Health System, an overarching strategy to create a more sustainable health system. As part of this, a series of policy papers, including one on rural-health services, was created, built on understanding the health-care needs of patients living in rural communities and developing quality, sustainable and innovative delivery models to improve care.

Learn more:

To read the Ministry of Health’s strategic document, Setting Priorities for the BC Health System and the accompanying policy papers, please visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/health-priorities/setting-priorities-for-bc-health

Media Contacts:

Laura Heinze
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 (cell)

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08782

Related Articles

Province expands health-care workforce and increases patient access

December 5, 2023 12:00 AM

Province supports allied health workforce, improves patient care

December 6, 2023 1:00 PM

Minister’s statement on World AIDS Day, Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week

December 1, 2023 9:00 AM
BC Gov News

Connect with the Ministry

Photos

View the Ministry's latest photos on Flickr.

Videos

Watch the Ministry's latest videos on YouTube.

Sound Bites

Listen to the Ministry's latest audio clips on SoundCloud.

Acknowledgment

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

Connect with Us:

  • BC Gov
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds

  • Home
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Contact Us
  • Connect
View all Social Media