Lytton To Get New Health Centre

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2007HEALTH0012-000156
Feb. 21, 2007

Ministry of Health
Office of the Premier

LYTTON – The provincial government will provide $6.3 million for a new health-care centre in Lytton that will improve acute care and community health services in the region, with construction to start this summer, Premier Gordon Campbell said today.

“The new health-care centre is being designed to meet the health-care needs of seniors, local Aboriginal communities and Lytton residents in one facility,” said Campbell. “It’s an innovative example of how we can meet many of the goals outlined in the 2007 budget and throne speech, including our commitments on health care, the New Relationship, seniors and even the environment through green design features.”“This project will provide important services for residents of the Lytton area,” said Health Minister George Abbott. “It is also an important step in closing the health status gap for First Nations, as this health centre will better serve the many Aboriginal people in the region, as well as other area residents.”

The Lytton Centre supports the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan, released by Premier Campbell in November 2006.

“We are thrilled to see this project move forward. This is an important day for both our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in the Lytton area,” said Janet Webster, Chief of the Lytton First Nation.

“This is an important and tangible initial step to begin addressing Aboriginal health issues in B.C. communities as outlined in the First Nations Health Plan. We look forward to the successful implementation of such vital community-driven initiatives,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and member of the First Nations Leadership Council.

The health centre will replace the existing St. Bartholomew’s hospital, built in 1937. Through its modern design, the new centre will enhance care by improving flow among the nurses’ station, emergency department and lab and X-ray service. The centre will have a multi-purpose room that can be used for a private waiting area for families or as a palliative room when required. Additional space will accommodate mental health, public health and home support offices, as well as offices for the community’s two physicians and pharmacist. The BC Ambulance Service will be maintaining an ambulance station on the site.

Through BC Housing and the Independent Living BC (ILBC) program, the health centre will feature a new option for seniors’ care in the community with the addition of six assisted living suites on site. These apartments will be tailored for seniors who can no longer live on their own, but have enough independence to manage day-to-day living with a little added support. Assisted living through ILBC offers private apartments, laundry services, and some assistance with daily activities such as meals and personal care, as well as a 24-hour response system.

“Assisted living is a great option because it allows seniors to maintain their independence and remain close to family and friends in their community while getting the assistance they need,” said Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman. “Now we can bring this housing and care option to Lytton by taking advantage of staffing resources available through the new health centre.”

The projected capital cost for the entire development is $8.1 million. The Province, through BC Housing, will contribute the $2.1 million capital cost of the assisted living suites. Interior Health will manage the suites through annual operating funds provided by the Ministry of Health. The Province and Interior Health will fund an additional $4.2 million and the Thompson Regional Hospital District (TRHD) will contribute $1.8 million to cover the remaining capital costs of the health centre.

“This has been a long-awaited project and we’re glad to be a partner in improving health-care delivery for the communities which will be served by the new health centre,” said TRHD board chair John O’Fee.

“Interior Health has listened closely to the needs of the community and the region and has developed a facility which will meet the projected health needs for many years to come,” added Linda Basran, community administrator for the Thompson Region of Interior Health.

In addition to an improved functional design, the new health centre will incorporate a number of green features, such as geothermal heating and cooling, and will strive to achieve a Gold LEED Certification through the Canada Green Building Council.

A request for proposals has been placed on BC Bid (Feb. 20) for a construction Management Consultant to oversee the project.

Completion of the new centre is targeted for summer 2008.

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Media contact:

Marisa Adair
Communications Director
Ministry of Health
250 920-8500
250 952-1887 (media line)

Mike Morton
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 213-8218

Darshan Lindsay
Communications Officer
Thompson Cariboo Shuswap HSA, Interior Health
250 318-4408