KAMLOOPS - Premier Christy Clark announced July 11, the first phase of
the redevelopment of Royal Inland Hospital, which includes a new
clinical services building, medical teaching space and more onsite
parking.
"I know that the future of Royal Inland Hospital is an important
issue to the region to meet the growing and changing needs of
families," said Premier Clark. "That's why we are moving forward with
this multi-phased redevelopment project."
The first phase of redevelopment includes constructing clinic space
for some outpatient services that could house cardiology, neurology,
renal and respiratory programs. The building could also provide
teaching space for the UBC medical school program. Construction will
also include more onsite parking and improved vehicle and pedestrian
access to the hospital.
"A lot of time and effort has been put into the Royal Inland Hospital
redevelopment plan so far and it's great to see the project is moving
ahead to the next phase," said Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry
Lake.
The first phase of redevelopment is estimated to cost $80 million and
will be shared with the Thompson Regional Hospital District. Detailed
construction costs will be determined when the business case is
approved in early 2013, and construction is expected to begin in late
2013.
"On behalf of the Thompson Regional Hospital District, I'd like to
thank both the Premier and the government for today's announcement.
This is definitely great news for the region," said Peter Milobar,
Thompson Regional Hospital District chair.
In June 2011, Interior Health completed a master site plan for Royal
Inland Hospital which will be used to guide future development at the
site. The plan highlighted priority areas requiring expansion and
redesign, including hospital site access and parking, surgical
services, in-patient areas and ambulatory care.
In addition to the new clinical services building, a series of
potential phases include:
* Constructing a surgical inpatient building.
* Demolition of the Alumnae Tower and construction of a new parking
structure on that site.
* Creating a new dedicated emergency entrance and improving onsite
parking.
* Constructing a new inpatient/outpatient building as well as
renovating specific areas within the existing hospital.
To proceed with future work, the site requires redevelopment of
roadway access routes to the facility, the establishment of
pedestrian pathways and better parking infrastructure.
"Interior Health is committed to providing quality care, and today's
announcement that the provincial government is moving forward with
redevelopment at Royal Inland Hospital will ensure health
professionals will continue to provide outstanding care that area
residents have come to expect, " said Interior Health chair Norman
Embree.
Since 2007, about $80 million in investments have been at Royal
Inland Hospital. This includes $27.5 million for second floor
redevelopment and new MRI, $17 million for Hillside Centre mental
health facility, $11 million to relocate the intensive care unit and
$10.75 million for medical device reprocessing department
redevelopment.