The new Stuart Lake Hospital and health centre in Fort St. James is expected to be substantially complete next month and will be open to the public by January 2025, announced the provincial government on Sept. 18.
The facility will replace the outdated hospital, combining primary, acute and long-term care in one location. It will house 27 beds, with 18 long-term care and nine acute care beds. The new facility will have an expanded emergency department with two treatment rooms, a trauma bay and an ambulance bay. In addition, a larger laboratory and diagnostic imaging (X-ray) and palliative-care spaces will benefit patients and staff.
The total capital cost of the project is $158.3 million, funded by the Province through Northern Health, and an $18.4-million contribution from the Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District.
"With the substantial completion of the facility, people will be one step closer to an expanded emergency department, improved diagnostic imaging services and better access to primary care in their community," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
"This investment will also provide health-care professionals with the space and technology they need to provide more cutting-edge care. Reaching this significant milestone will ensure people in the North have access to the care they need close to home, now and well into the future."
The primary-care centre within the facility will be integrated with the hospital and long-term care services. Primary-care services will include physicians, visiting specialists, substance-use supports, public health, and home and community care.
"Having all health services under one roof is going to simplify care, making it more efficient for patients and health-care providers alike," said Colleen Nyce, board chair for Northern Health.
Patients will start receiving care in the new facility when it opens in January 2025. Demolition of the current hospital is anticipated to begin early in 2025, with full completion of the project expected in September 2025.
