The provincial government is supporting planning for a new patient-care tower at Richmond Hospital and the ministry expects work on the business plan could begin in fall 2017.

Up to $3 million will be allocated to support the development of a business plan, once the concept plan is approved.

“The Richmond community has been vocal about the needs for a new tower at Richmond Hospital and we’re supporting the work to move these plans forward,” said Teresa Wat, MLA for Richmond Centre. “A modern patient-care tower will help ensure high quality of care continues at Richmond Hospital.”

The Ministry of Health is currently reviewing the concept plan provided by Vancouver Coastal Health. Concept planning is an important part of the planning process for a major capital project, and provides an opportunity to ensure the new tower will meet the needs of the community and future demands.

“A new patient-care tower with modern hospital equipment will enhance patient-centred care at Richmond Hospital,” said Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond East. “This will be a great addition to our growing community and I look forward to the work progressing on this project.”

After a concept plan is approved by government, the next step in planning a large capital project such as a new hospital is to prepare a business plan. Business plans focus on cost and services of a new facility, and take approximately 12 to 18 months to prepare. A business plan is followed by procurement and then construction.

The business planning process for Richmond Hospital will ensure health-care services will be provided in a culturally sensitive manner, with recognition of the importance of traditional Chinese medicine services in the local community.

“Richmond has one of the fastest growing populations in the province and we need to make sure we can meet the growing demand and continue to provide quality care to those who need it,” said John Yap, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “Work is underway to meet this commitment.”

“On behalf of the doctors, nurses, health-care professionals and all of the people who are served each and every day at Richmond Hospital, this announcement is welcome, and it is very reassuring to know that the facilities needed for the future continue to advance," said Jennifer MacKenzie, chief operating officer, Vancouver Coastal Health-Richmond. "Our health-care teams provide compassionate care for patients and their families, so to know that new facilities will be there when they need them is an important development.”

"The Richmond community desperately wants to see a new acute-care tower and this is a step in the right direction," said Natalie Meixner, president and CEO, Richmond Hospital Foundation. "Moving toward a business plan is essential, and our donors who have made commitments and those who want to be a part of this important addition to health care in our community will be pleased to know the Province is fully supportive.”

Richmond Hospital opened in 1966 and has 200 acute-care beds serving the needs of residents in Richmond and Delta, as well as travellers using the Vancouver International Airport. The concept plan proposes a new patient-care tower that would include:

• Private rooms which help improve patient outcomes, patient privacy and reduce exposure to communicable infections such as C Difficile and MSRA.
• Modern hospital equipment and technologies that better monitor patient health and enhance care, which help hospital staff spend their time where most needed, ensuring the highest levels of patient care.
• Facility design that improves patient flow to make patient care better and more efficient.

The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province. In doing so, these construction projects are creating well-paying, family-supporting jobs. These investments are possible because of the fiscal plan of the B.C. government.