Work on phase one of the Boundary Trails Health Centre major expansion project is wrapping up.
Project supporters got the chance to tour the new inpatient unit and the Community Services Building (CSB) at a special reception hosted by the BTHC Foundation Feb. 26.
The hospital planned to begin moving patients into the 24-bed expansion this week, with the CSB expected to open as soon as the numerous programs and their staff finish moving into building.
Joel Nelson, director of health services for BTHC, noted this project has been in the works for years, so to see phase one through to completion is heartening.
“I’ve been in this role for about three and a half years and I don’t think a week goes by where there’s not at least two, three, four hours of meetings that have gone into planning this space. So to be at this point now is very relieving and very exciting.”
The inpatient unit features 24 new acute care and palliative care beds, a multi-disciplinary team room, lounges and private gathering spaces for family members and the public, and a staff break room.
The CSB is home to a larger hospital pharmacy, child and youth rehab services, CancerCare, public health/healthy living programming, home care, midwifery, and mental health and addictions services.
“It creates a hub which will have quick access to the acute services of the hospital,” explained Dana Human, Southern Health-Santé Sud interim CEO. “It’s going to be easier access, you’re going to know where services are … we want it to be a place where people feel welcome.”
With the work on phase one done, BTHC’s focus now turns to phase two: massive renovations in the existing hospital building, which has served the region since 2001.
“We get to enjoy this for a couple of weeks and then we start on renovations at the main campus,” Nelson noted. “We’ll be moving into those projects over the next 18 to 20 months.”
The renovations will expand several departments, including surgery, cancer care, emergency, ambulatory care, medical device reprocessing, and diagnostic services.
“We’re doing everything quite cautiously and in phases,” shared Human, noting the RHA has similar large-scale building projects going on right now in Steinbach and Portage as well. “We’ve learned through all these builds that good direction is always better than speed. These people know what they’re doing, the staff know what they need, our patients tell us what they need and what they would like. This next step is going to be phenomenal.
“When this place is all done we really need to have balloons absolutely everywhere because the celebration will be huge.”
Through the BTHC Foundation, the community is contributing $10 million towards the $100-million cost of the project.
Foundation board chair Brent Menzies said it’s taken a lot of support from countless people to make this a reality.
“Together with you all, we celebrate the completion of phase one of the Boundary Trails Health Centre expansion: a major milestone for our region and for patients and families who rely on this facility for care,” he told the assembled guests. “This new inpatient unit represents increased capacity, improved spaces for care, and a stronger foundation for meeting the needs of our growing community well into the future.”
“The communities and rural municipalities that surround this hospital have always displayed immense pride and willingness in supporting initiatives that enhance community wellness,” Human agreed. “It’s a beautiful thing to see … it makes me proud to be a part of this region.”
