The completion of the Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre - Xaayda Gwaay Ngaaysdll Naay, was officially marked today by the visit of Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Upon arrival, Their Royal Highnesses were greeted by Health Minister Terry Lake and Northern Health chief executive officer Cathy Ulrich.

“The new hospital in Haida Gwaii is the only hospital that Their Royal Highnesses will visit during their Canadian tour, and this honour is a credit to all of the employees, health-care professionals, researchers and volunteers who contribute every day to the well-being of patients and their families,” said Lake.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke to seniors, mothers, children, families and hospital staff about the new facility’s health-care programs and services. The tour ended with the unveiling of a bronze plaque commemorating the construction completion of the new hospital and the visit.

Highlights of the new hospital include a modernized maternity program space that allows for mothers with low-risk pregnancies to give birth on the island, and program space to deliver cancer care in a healing environment for patients.

“These brand new facilities, together with state-of-the art technology, will provide increased capacity to help us meet growing demand, and provide a healing, patient-centred environment to meet the community’s health, educational and social needs,” said Ulrich.

“The community had a large role in shaping the new hospital design, which incorporates Haida Nation culture, tradition and inclusiveness,” said Harry Nyce, North West Regional Hospital District chair. “We are so pleased with the final outcome, and look forward to welcoming patients and their families.”

The finishing touches are underway on the new two-storey facility, which will receive its first patients and long-term care residents by the end of November 2016. The 5,000-square-metre (54,000-square-feet) building will improve patient and resident comfort and health outcomes, and modernize the working environment for staff and physicians.

The total value of the replacement hospital is approximately $50 million, and funding is cost-shared by the Province and the North West Regional Hospital District.