Minister Dix touts new long-term care beds, tours RIH upgrades during Kamloops visit

“We are incredibly proud of the state-of-the-art facility and the purpose-built intention that went into ensuring that this site is perfect for the residents and the community,” added AgeCare CEO Salimah Walji-Shivji.

The investment from the province is part of more than 600 new beds coming to the Interior. Still, with an aging population, it’s just a start, according to the BC Care Providers.

“In a few short years, there is going to be 25 per cent of our population that is going to be over 65 and there are many, many more to follow,” said BC Care Providers CEO Terry Lake. “We really do need to think about a comprehensive way to look after our citizens, our residents as they age.”

Minister Dix did highlight the projects ongoing around the province when asked about next steps, noting the new Kamloops build will fill quickly.

“It won’t be redundant, of course. It will add to our capacity, so we will go from 840 to about 940. But I would expect the beds to be filled virtually right away. There is significant demand. And that will help us in two ways — it will reduce people who are waiting for long-term care in the community and, of course, reduce the number of what are called alternative level of care patients at Royal Inland Hospital, as well.”

The first seniors are expected to move in on October 21. The Sun Rivers building will be four stories with indoor and outdoor spaces, such as 100 private suites, spacious family-style dining rooms, a casual bistro, an atrium for large gatherings, recreational and multi-purpose spaces, an outdoor courtyard and a hair salon.

Following the announcement from Dix in Sun Rivers, the health minister made a stop at Royal Inland Hospital to tour some of the new upgrades within the Gaglardi Tower.

The upgrades are part of the phase two renovations at Royal Inland Hospital, including a new pediatric ward.

The overall project in Kamloops is worth over $450 million, with the province chipping in $243 million to bring RIH back up to a first class facility.

“We’ve added net new in the past year, 128 new staff, net new to Royal Inland Hospital, more than last year, which is I think an achievement of the staff and the teams in recruitment and an achievement of the team working together to welcome new staff and retain staff when they arrive,” said Dix.

Along with the new pediatric ward, Minister Dix was also able to see the new recovery ward, set up to better allow nursing staff and doctor to treat patients and provide added privacy.

“And with increased capacity, the space meets modern clinical and infection control standards, which is dear to my heart,” said RIH Chief of Staff Dr. Elizabeth Parfitt. “We have been able to improve efficiency and flow from the new operating rooms and it benefits staff and patients. As a personal note, as I go through my work day, I just love to capture glimpses of the beautiful river and lands that I feel so proud to live and work on. And to showcase these facilities to new physicians and other staff recruits makes a big difference.”

by Michael Reeve

Minister Dix touts new long-term care beds, tours RIH upgrades during Kamloops visit

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