“With each construction achievement, we are seeing the success of our $2.9 billion health-sector investment in new and expanded health facilities and hospitals in British Columbia,” said Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport and MLA for Oak Bay - Gordon Head. “The new hospital will provide Vancouver Island residents with improved access to quality patient care.”
Since the initial groundbreaking in July 2008, the Patient Care Centre project has completed eight stories, plus a mechanical penthouse and basement. The final pour of cement for the exterior structure took place in September 2009, and work in the coming months will focus on waterproofing the exterior, completing electrical and plumbing rough-ins and erecting all internal walls.
“The new centre will not only meet the health care needs of Vancouver Island residents, but also provide hospital staff with state-of-the-art technology in a dynamic working environment,” said Murray Coell, Minister of Labour and MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.
The new Centre is on schedule for completion in December 2010, with occupancy expected in February 2011.
“This is an exciting milestone in the construction of the new Patient Care Centre and, on behalf of the CRHD, I sincerely thank the construction workers for their efforts to bring the project to this stage in such a short time,” said Graham Hill, CRHD board chair. “We are looking forward to the opening of this new facility that will deliver the latest, high-quality care in the most efficient way possible.”
The three steel beams that were welded into place today were covered in thousands of signatures from VIHA staff, patients and visitors to the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre at RJH.
“From its inception, employee and community engagement has been, and continues to be, an important part of the Patient Care Centre project,” said Jac Kreut, VIHA board chair. “VIHA has incorporated many ideas from staff and the community into the design requirements, so it makes sense to also have their indelible signatures embedded in the walls in recognition of their contribution.”
The Patient Care Centre will provide a safer acute care environment, enhanced privacy and confidentiality, state of the art design and technology in accordance with LEED Gold standards, access to natural light and green spaces, and increased patient, family and staff satisfaction.
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BACKGROUND
PATIENT CARE CENTRE
When the new Patient Care Centre opens, it will provide residents of Victoria and southern Vancouver Island with a state-of-the-art facility that is a Centre of Excellence in elder care, attracts and retains health care professionals, and minimizes the impact on the environment.
Elder-friendly Design:
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Over 80 per cent of the rooms are single-bed patient rooms to maximize patient privacy and comfort, and reduce hospital acquired infection rates.
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The patient room and bathroom is designed to reduce the risk of falls.
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Rooms have been designed to allow family members to participate in patient care and provide support that will result in better health care outcomes.
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Patient rooms are spacious and can easily adapt to provide different levels of care.
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Large opening windows with views will maximize natural light and help create a healing environment.
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Background noise will be reduced through quite flooring, equipment and designs such as sound-absorbing panels on ceilings and hallway walls.
Desirable Workplace:
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Ergonomic design elements have been incorporated into patient rooms and staff areas, including overhead lift capability, which is expected to significantly decrease staff injury.
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Decentralized care-team stations will minimize walking distances for staff and bring information and supplies to point of care.
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As part of the Island Medical Program, a variety of formal and informal teaching spaces throughout the facility will allow health care professionals to engage in continual learning.
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Quality indoor and outdoor respite spaces, staff locker rooms with showers and bike lockers for storage will be provided.
Green Building Design:
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The Royal Jubilee Hospital will be designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.
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The building will maximize the use of sustainable building products and furnishings and be energy efficient.
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The public will have access to outside garden space with donated art features.
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Fresh air ventilation systems and the use of safe cleaning agents will ensure healthy air quality.
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Opportunities for alternative transportation such as transit, biking, carpooling and walking will be maximized.
For more information on the PCC project, visit: www.viha.ca/patient_care_centre/
Shannon Marshall
VIHA Communications
250 370-8270