People in the South Peace region will benefit from a redeveloped and expanded Dawson Creek and District Hospital, announced Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

“I am proud to announce that the government has approved the concept plan to redevelop and expand the Dawson Creek and District Hospital. That means the project is a go and we are moving full steam ahead,” Dix said.

“This day has been a long, long, long time coming. Our government approved this project so patients can receive public health-care services in updated, state-of-the-art surroundings. The South Peace region, its patients and health-care workers deserves nothing less.”

The redeveloped hospital will include a new inpatient building, bigger emergency department, modern operating rooms and more beds.

With support from the local community, Northern Health has identified the hospital for renewal, as a priority, since 2008. The Dawson Creek and District Hospital Master Program and Master Plan was completed in December 2013. Northern Health submitted a concept plan for a redeveloped hospital in September 2015, but it did not receive consideration for advancement in the capital planning process. Upon request of the government, Northern Health provided an updated plan in March 2018.

“We’re so pleased to receive this announcement from the Province of B.C. that commits to improvements to our facility, services and care of patients at Dawson Creek and District Hospital,” said Colleen Nyce, Northern Health board chair. “This project will support our pledge to take a person- and family-centred approach to everything we do in a modern and up-to-date setting.”

“The Peace River Regional Hospital District joins in celebrating that the much-needed improvements to Dawson Creek and District Hospital are moving forward,” said Brad Sperling, Peace River Regional Hospital District chair. “A redeveloped and expanded hospital in Dawson Creek will ensure that health-care services meet the needs of our residents well into the future. I would like thank the City of Dawson Creek and the PRRD board of directors for working together with the Province to see this much-needed project come to reality.”

Quick Facts:

• Concept planning is an important part of the process for planning a hospital. It’s an opportunity to make sure that the building meets community needs and future demands. The plan outlines a high-level vision, providing a framework for projected health services and infrastructure.
• The business plan phase is now underway and will finalize details, such as scope and budget. This stage takes approximately 12 to 18 months. Upon approval of the business plan, the project will proceed to procurement and then construction. Shovels are expected to go in the dirt in early 2021.  
• Opened in 1960, Dawson Creek and District Hospital has 44 beds and serves a region with a population of approximately 28,000. Services include emergency, surgical, maternity, mental health and substance use and cancer care. There is also an intensive-care unit, laboratory and diagnostics.