People in Burnaby and throughout the region will have access to additional health care services as a business plan has been approved for a new inpatient tower and integrated cancer centre, as part of Phase two of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment.
“People in Burnaby and surrounding communities are a step closer to accessing even stronger health care services as we move forward with the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment,” said Adrian Dix, minister of health. “The redevelopment is part of our government’s plan to modernize and expand hospitals in the Lower Mainland and across B.C. This will increase access to care and provide supports for cancer care, which is critical.”
The proposed 12-storey inpatient tower is expected to include 160 private rooms. The tower will also include general medicine, medical oncology, cardiac telemetry and intensive care and high-acuity units. Additionally, a new medical imaging department, featuring space for two CT scanners, a spiritual care suite, public spaces and hospital support services will also be available.
The new tower will also be home to a new BC Cancer Centre, which will include 54 ambulatory care rooms, 31 chemotherapy chairs, space for five linear accelerators, space for two PET/CT scanners, an oncology pharmacy, and clinical trials and research space.
“I love Burnaby and it has been a place I call home for over 40 years,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake. "While Burnaby is one of the province's fastest-growing communities, our hospital has not undergone an upgrade for over four decades. I am excited to learn that this project will build spacious, up-to-date, and safe health care facilities for the current and future populations in Burnaby.”
In addition, Phase two includes the demolition of the West Wing building, renovations to the existing Support Facilities building that includes expanding the emergency department to 104 treatment spaces, and renovations to the endoscopy suite in the existing Nursing Tower.
With the business plan approved, the procurement process will begin with construction planned to start in 2025 and completion anticipated in 2030. The cost of Phase two is approximately $1.7 billion with funding from the Province, the Burnaby Hospital Foundation and the BC Cancer Foundation.
Today’s announcement builds on Phase one of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, which includes a new tower with a maternity unit, neonatal intensive care unit and a medical in-patient area with capability to isolate infectious diseases. The Phase one tower is scheduled to be open in 2025. Additionally, Phase one includes expansion and renovation to the Support Facilities Building, including a comprehensive upgrade of the Jim Pattison Surgery Centre, now with a total of 10 new or upgraded operating rooms, plus renovations to the emergency department and a new medical device reprocessing centre.
Learn more:
To learn more about Burnaby Hospital Redevelopment, please visit: https://www.fraserhealth.ca/your-community/burnaby/burnaby-hospital-redevelopment-project
Two backgrounders follow.
Backgrounders
What people are saying about the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment
Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby-North –
“Approval of Phase two for the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment is great news for people in Burnaby and across the Lower Mainland. The increased capacity and facilities of the new tower will bring strong health care support and services for patients and for health care professionals into the future.”
Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds –
“A redeveloped Burnaby Hospital will ensure that our community receives high-quality, compassionate health care when they need it. The new hospital will help create a healthier tomorrow for Burnaby and this second phase of the project demonstrates our ongoing dedication to meet the health needs of every person in Burnaby, for generations to come.”
Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed –
“The Burnaby Hospital redevelopment represents a substantial investment in the well-being and health of communities within and around Burnaby, now and into the future. The upgrades provide the region, health workers and residents with a modern facility to ensure that the residents of Burnaby can receive the top quality public health care they deserve.”
Dr. Victoria Lee, president and CEO, Fraser Health –
“I am pleased to celebrate this important milestone that brings us another step closer to a redeveloped and reimagined Burnaby Hospital. Through each step of our planning process, we are envisioning a campus of care that places patients and their families at the centre, while providing our staff and medical staff with a state-of-the-art environment in which they can deliver exceptional, culturally-safe and accessible care now and for many years to come.”
David Byres, president and CEO, Provincial Health Services Authority –
“Today marks an exciting step forward in enhancing cancer care for people in Burnaby and surrounding communities. The Burnaby Hospital and BC Cancer Centre redevelopment project will increase capacity for patients to receive high quality, culturally safe care and treatment in a modern facility, closer to home. We look forward to working in partnership with Fraser Health, participating foundations and the Province as we proactively plan for cancer care in a way that thoughtfully considers both present and future needs.”
Heather Findlay, chief operating officer, BC Cancer –
“The approval of the business plan marks an important milestone in bringing cancer care closer to home. The new cancer centre at Burnaby Hospital will help meet the demand for expanded cancer care in this rapidly growing region, offering life-saving treatment for our patients and families facing cancer.”
Mike Hurley, mayor, Burnaby –
“The redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital is great news for residents and is something they’ve been eagerly anticipating. Burnaby is a rapidly growing city and it’s so important that the capacity is there to deliver the high-quality care our residents need.”
Kristy James, president and CEO, Burnaby Hospital Foundation –
“Burnaby Hospital Foundation along with our many passionate supporters are eager to see the progression in this next phase of redevelopment. These important upgrades and the expansion of medical services will be life-changing for our region and bring better care close to home for many more patients. I have witnessed the heartwarming commitment of our community who have so strongly supported our redevelopment campaign over the past three years. We are excited to continue investing in health care close to home and partner on this next phase.”
Sarah Roth, president and CEO, BC Cancer Foundation –
“The BC Cancer Foundation is dedicated to growing and supporting the building of new cancer centres and expanding life-saving cancer research across the province. This new BC Cancer Centre will ensure people facing cancer in Burnaby and the surrounding communities will receive expert care close to home, supported by family and friends.”
Burnaby Hospital redevelopment: Phase one
Burnaby Hospital opened in 1952 and provides a range of acute care services, including emergency care, critical care, surgery, maternity, neonatal intensive care, palliative and adult mental health and substance use services.
In May 2022, the Province announced the beginning of construction on the first phase of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment.
Phase one includes the development of a new facility, expected to open in 2025 that includes:
- a maternity unit;
- neonatal intensive care unit; and
- medical in-patient area with capability to isolate infectious diseases.
As well, Phase one will see expansion and renovation to the Support Facilities building, including a comprehensive upgrade of the Jim Pattison Surgery Centre, with a total of 10 new or upgraded operating rooms, plus renovations to the emergency department and a new medical device reprocessing centre.
The costs of Phase one is approximately $683 million, funded through the Government of B.C., Fraser Health and Burnaby Hospital Foundation.