Burnaby Hospital upgrades take next step

BURNABY - The Ministry of Health has approved the concept plan for the redevelopment of key facilities as a part of the Burnaby Hospital Renewal, as well as a project to improve mental-health and substance-use services in the current emergency department in the short term, and consolidation of community health services.

"We are committed to ensuring the people of Burnaby have a hospital that can care for them today and well into the future," said Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North, who made the announcement on behalf of Health Minister Terry Lake. "This work will mean better care for residents and it's exciting we are moving forward."

Work on the business plan – the next step in the process for the redevelopment project – is slated to begin this spring. Development and approval of a hospital project business plan generally takes about 12 to 18 months, and is then followed by procurement and construction.

Priorities identified in the approved concept plan include a new inpatient/outpatient care tower to replace the aging West Wing Building, and expansion and renovation of the treatment and support service department in the Support Facilities Building including the emergency department, diagnostic imaging department and operating suite, as well as expanded parking.

In addition to the concept plan for Burnaby Hospital Renewal, the Province has approved a new emergency mental-health and substance-use zone within the emergency department, as well as consolidation of community health services. This project will begin immediately to ensure the current emergency department meets needs for mental-health and substance-use services. It is expected to be complete by 2020.

"This marks a major milestone for Burnaby Hospital. An approved concept plan brings us one step closer to a redeveloped hospital," said Michael Marchbank, president and chief executive officer, Fraser Health. "The interim sustainment plan is an important first step in this work, which will allow patients who need outpatient care or support for their mental health or substance use to receive it in a patient-focused area."

The new mental-health and substance-use zone will allow staff to deliver care in an environment that is specifically designed for people who arrive at the hospital with mental-health and/or substance-use concerns. The zone will feature a separate entry from the main emergency department, and will provide patients with privacy and comfort, a secure isolation room, and confidential assessment rooms.

The community health services consolidation will co-locate community outpatient services in one area of the hospital. By doing so, Fraser Health will be able to deliver these services more efficiently to patients.

Fraser Health is providing $8.8 million to the new emergency mental-health and substance-use zone and community health services consolidation project, while Burnaby Hospital Foundation is contributing $5 million, for a total cost of $13.8 million. Costs for the broader redevelopment project will be determined as part of the business plan development.

"We are delighted with this news," said Cheryl Becir, president and chief executive officer, Burnaby Hospital Foundation. "Burnaby Hospital Foundation is proud to have supported many capital improvements at the hospital. Our donors welcome the opportunity to support the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment plan and applaud our $5-million contribution to the interim sustainment plan. This demonstrates the significant support our donors contribute to our community hospital. We look forward to working with our partners on these exciting new developments."

The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province. In doing so, these construction projects are creating well-paying, family-supporting jobs.

These investments are possible because of the fiscal plan of the B.C. government.