Construction starting next month on new Dawson Creek hospital

Construction on a new hospital in Dawson Creek is expected to being next month, the B.C. Ministry of Health announced on Monday.

The province, Northern Health and Infrastructure B.C. have awarded a $590-million contract to Calgary-based Graham Design Builders LP to design and build the new hospital. Construction is expected to start in July and the hospital is expected to be ready to accept patients by 2027.

"Our government has reached an important milestone with the Dawson Creek and District Hospital with the selection of the preferred proponent and the signing of the Design Build Agreement," Health Minister Adrian Dix said. "People in the community and the region should expect to see work at the site in the weeks and months ahead as construction begins on the new and expanded hospital in Dawson Creek, and this is fantastic news."

The new 24,500 sq. meter (263,000 sq. feet) hospital will have 70 beds, an increase of 24 from the current Dawson Creek hospital. The number of emergency department spaces is increasing from 10 to 15, and the facility will continue to offer surgical services, chemotherapy, ambulatory care, radiology clinical support and pharmacy services. There will also be space for laboratory, diagnostic imaging and physical rehabilitation.

“New parents and families will be supported by a perinatal unit, including labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms, and a nursery,” a statement issued by the province on Monday said. “Mental-health service delivery will be brought up to modern standards with a new inpatient suite and an increase of beds from 15 to 18.”

Northern Health has committed to consult with area First Nations to ensure the new hospital is welcoming and inclusive.

"This announcement is wonderful news and an important investment for Dawson Creek and the network of communities served by the Dawson Creek and District Hospital," said Colleen Nyce, chair of Northern Health's board of directors. "This new facility will strengthen and improve health-care services for residents in the region, as well as the physicians and staff who provide care in this hospital."

The Peace River Regional Hospital District will contribute up to $177 million of the project budget.

The existing Dawson Creek and District Hospital will remain open during construction.