The Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District Board of Directors passed a motion to adopt the capital expenditure bylaw for the $318,712,000 funding contribution to the construction of the UHNBC patient care tower. This means the Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District received the required approval to fund the Regional Hospital District portion of the project.
"This new patient care tower represents a monumental advancement in healthcare for our region," says Director Joan Atkinson, Chair of the Regional Hospital District. "The agreement, which has been thoroughly reviewed and supported by board members, underscores a commitment to improving local healthcare services while balancing fiscal responsibility."
The Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District’s contribution was negotiated below the standard 40% share of capital costs and is capped at $318,712,000; therefore it is anticipated by the time construction begins, the Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District’s percentage contribution may be further reduced if project costs escalate.
"We are proud our advocacy resulted in the UHNBC patient care tower being green-lit and we will move forward together with our partners at the Ministry of Health and Northern Health," says Director Kyle Sampson, Acting Chair of the Regional Hospital District. "We support this hospital expansion as we see the crucial need to enhance critical healthcare services for residents in our region and all of Northern BC."
The new 11-storey UHNBC patient care tower will include:
- a new six-bed cardiac care unit and a 20-bed cardiac step-down unit
- an expanded surgical unit with 47 new beds and 12 operating rooms
- increased capacity for mental health and substance use services
Construction is expected to commence in fall 2026, with completion projected for 2031.
image: August 8, 2024 Provincial funding announcement for UHNBC patient care tower, courtesy of Northern Health
