New tower to open at Royal Columbian Hospital

Royal Columbian Hospital is seen in New Westminster, B.C., in 2019.

The new Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster will soon open to patients.

On May 31, a new, larger emergency department will begin operating, along with a 47-bed intensive care unit and 17-bed cardiac intensive care unit.

“People in New Westminster and throughout the province will benefit from the increased capacity, advanced technology, and thoughtfully designed spaces in the new acute care tower,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne, in a news release. “Patients and families were involved throughout the design process and will benefit from enhanced health-care services in spaces that support patient safety, privacy and comfort.”

In the fall, the 10-storey tower will also open an obstetrics unit, pediatrics unit and neonatal intensive care unit and operating rooms.

The new tower is the second phase of RCH’s redevelopment project.

Phase 1 included a mental health and substance use wellness centre. Phase 3 will include upgrades to the existing health-care centre and is expected to be finished in 2029.

The province says Phase 2 and 3 of the redevelopment are estimated to cost nearly $2 billion.

The tower was built with money from the province, Fraser Health and the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.

Well-known businessman and philanthropist Jim Pattison donated $30 million to the project.