Island Health announces expansion of Salt Spring Island hospital
The only hospital on Salt Spring Island is expanding its emergency department, doubling the number of acute and primary care patients that can be treated at one time.
Island Health announced the $10.4-million expansion at Lady Minto Hospital on Wednesday.
The cost of the project will be shared between the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, which has pledged $7.4 million, and the Capital Regional Hospital District, which will contribute $3 million.
The expansion involves the construction of a new 4,500-square-foot emergency department that will double the number of acute and primary care patients that can be treated simultaneously, according to Island Health.
The expansion also includes a new mental health and substance use treatment room, a medication area, a dedicated triage desk, an ambulance bay and an expanded waiting area.
“We know that upgrades are needed to allow Lady Minto Hospital and its dedicated staff to continue to provide high quality care for Salt Spring Island residents,” said B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix in a statement.
“This project will greatly enhance patient-centred care for this region, providing patient privacy and the opportunity to provide more specialized treatment including for mental health and substance use,” Dix added.
The health authority says the project may incorporate Indigenous artwork, furniture, fixtures and equipment to ensure spaces are welcoming to everyone who seeks medical care.
“The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation is delighted that this much needed expansion to the hospital is going ahead,” said Lady Minto Hospital Foundation chair Dave Taylor in the statement.
The hospital foundation expects the expansion will be complete in early 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.