The timeline for completion of a multi-million dollar upgrade at G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital has needed to be adjusted, says Northern Health (NH).
Substantial completion of the G.R. Baker Emergency Department (ED) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) addition is now anticipated for the end of the year, after which patients will be accepted into the new addition by the end of February 2023.
It was previously set to be completed this summer, with the new ED/ICU ready to use in Fall 2022.
“As with all capital projects, there are many moving parts and considerations that can alter timelines based on current realities,” NH stated in an email. “The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant complicating factor, as it has disrupted supply chains and labor markets.”
Read More: G.R. Baker upgrades to bring hospital into 21st century: health services administrator
Despite the changes to the project schedule, NH maintains it will be delivered on budget.
The $27-million project, funded by the BC Government and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District, broke ground in October 2020.
Once completed, NH says the new emergency department and intensive care unit (ICU) will provide a much-improved experience for patients visiting G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital. The new ED/ICU will have flexible treatment rooms, increased ICU capacity, improved privacy and confidentiality for patients and a better patient flow, allowing patients to quickly be brought into the new emergency department.
“More details will come around the opening of the addition as we reach the end stages of the project,” NH said, adding the February 2023 timeline for patients will mean avoiding a move during the holiday season and ensure a smooth transition to active operations.
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