Eagle Ridge Hospital completes emergency department expansion

"People will receive the health care they need in modern surroundings, and medical staff will have more room to help patients get better, quicker," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "The expanded emergency department at Eagle Ridge Hospital will meet the needs of the growing Tri-Cities population."

Phase 1 of the Eagle Ridge Hospital emergency department expansion included new separate entrances for walk-in patients and ambulances, a redesigned registration and triage area to improve privacy and flow of patients, and a designated separate area for patients with mental health and substance use support needs. The new emergency department opened on Sept. 21, 2021.

Phase 2 of the project featured upgrades and renovations to the old emergency department. This includes a designated area for decontamination of hazardous materials to help prevent the spread of contaminants, complete with a decontamination suite with airlock features and a separate entrance for improved safety; four new isolation rooms for people with infectious illnesses; two new resuscitation areas to increase care spaces for trauma patients; and additional handwashing stations to help reduce the risk of infection.

The provincial government, through Fraser Health, provided $32.5 million and the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation contributed $5 million for a project cost of $37.5 million.

"This is a big day for people in the area and I'm proud of our government's commitment to improve public health-care services in Port Moody," said Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam.

When Eagle Ridge Hospital opened in 1984, the hospital's emergency department had approximately 20,000 patients seeking emergency care every year. That number has more than doubled to approximately 50,000 patients per year.

The expanded emergency department has 39 new treatment spaces, up from 19. The new space is approximately three times larger, increasing from 714 square metres (7,685 square feet) to 2,206 square metres (23,745 square feet) and allows for quality emergency care in spaces better designed to meet the growing needs of patients in the Tri-Cities.

Backgrounder

What people are saying about the Eagle Ridge Hospital emergency department expansion

Selina Robinson, MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville -

"I'm proud our government took fast action to make upgrades and improvements to Eagle Ridge Hospital. The work that was done means patients will have enhanced access to care in the Tri-Cities."

Mike Farnworth, MLA for Port Coquitlam -

"It's great to see work is complete at Eagle Ridge Hospital. People in the community will get high-quality care in new surroundings for decades to come."

Fin Donnelly, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain -

"Work was needed at Eagle Ridge Hospital to keep pace with the demands of our rapidly growing region. I thank our partners in this project who worked hard to make sure people in the area have an updated medical space to get the care they need."

Dr. Victoria Lee, president and CEO, Fraser Health -

"The expanded emergency department at Eagle Ridge Hospital will provide patient-centred emergency care to the residents in the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities for many years to come. The enhancements were thoughtfully designed with safety and quality in mind to improve the experience for our patients while supporting our care teams to deliver high-quality care. Thank you to the Province, the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, our staff and medical staff, and our communities for making this important project a reality."

Tom Morton, chair, Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation -

"I am so grateful to our donors, community partners, sponsors and volunteers who are the champions of health care in the Tri-Cities, Anmore and Belcarra region. The opening of Phase 2 of this fabulous new emergency department truly could not have happened without each and every one of you who have donated and invested in the health care of our community."

Dr. Mike Mostrenko, Eagle Ridge Hospital -

"As a physician who lives and works in the Tri-Cities, I see first-hand how this new project will benefit our community. We have a new, expanded space to provide patient-centred care and support our growing needs. I'm honoured to have been involved in the development of this project since its inception and to be here celebrating the Phase 2 opening today."