Fraser Health is beginning $5 million in renovations to the emergency department at Royal Columbian Hospital.
Three projects at Royal Columbian Hospital got underway on July 8 and are expected to be competed by early 2015.
They include upgrades to the emergency triage area, emergency mental health substance use unit and the emergency trauma and isolation rooms.
According to Fraser Health, the renovation projects will improve safety and infection control measures, create more space for trauma patients, and enhance the emergency department's ability to meet standards of care.
The new mental health substance use unit is being designed to provide a more therapeutic environment in which health-care officials can assess and care for patients.
"Patients and their families, as well as health-care professionals, will benefit from the renovations to Royal Columbian Hospital's emergency department," said Health Minister Terry Lake in a press release. "This project represents the government's ongoing commitment to investing in health-care facilities and services for the residents of B.C."
Royal Columbian Hospital serves as a tertiary and trauma facility and a regional hospital for the Fraser Health Authority.
It provides the highest level of trauma care and addresses the most complex patient cases referred from all other hospitals in the Fraser Health network.
"Royal Columbian Hospital is fundamental to our Fraser Health network of hospitals," said Fraser Health CEO Dr. Nigel Murray, in a press release. "While we progress with work related to its full redevelopment, in the interim it is vital to invest in renovations that allow this site to continue delivering the quality of care that our patients expect and deserve."
Fraser Health has been working on plans to expand Royal Columbian Hospital for a number of years. In April, Fraser Health received approval from the provincial government to develop a business case for phase 1 (to include a new mental health facility), which is the first step in the hospital's larger redevelopment project.
Until the redevelopment project takes place, Fraser Health believes the renovations getting underway this month will ensure the hospital is able to continue delivering care and meeting patient needs in the interim.
