People waiting for the Northern Health Connections bus in Quesnel are able to keep out of the elements thanks to a covered shelter that was installed in July.
The new bus shelter in front of the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital, which cost close to $14,000, is the result of a request made to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation by the hospital in 2018.
“As local residents know, our weather isn’t always ideal, especially in the winter months,” said Quesnel health services administrator Daryl Petsul. “The shelter will improve the experience for those waiting to board the bus or even for a ride home following a trip.”
READ MORE: Quesnel’s G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital to get new emergency department and ICU
The foundation funded 60 per cent of the project, and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) funded the remaining 40 per cent.
According to Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson, who is also the CCRHD chair, the need for the shelter goes back further than 2018.
“As long as they’ve been running their bus service, people having to hang out outside in all weather has been an issue at the hospital,” Simpson told the Observer.
He said a bench with metals bars was installed inside the shelter to provide handhold support and assist medical patients. For example, he said, an individual with a back injury can use the bars to ease themselves down onto the bench and push themselves up when their ride arrives.
READ MORE: Northern Health Authority expands medical bus use
@QuesnelNews
karissa.gall@blackpress.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.