Facilities

BC patient-care centre win design competition

VICTORIA – The Royal Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre has won Best International Project at the 2010 Public Private Finance Awards in London, England. Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), in partnership with ISL Health Canada, was chosen by a panel of 20 judges from a competition featuring applicants from around the world.

On schedule for completion in December 2010 and occupancy in early 2011, the state-of-the-art, 500-bed Patient Care Centre will be leading-edge in three key areas – the environment, staff and patients – and will provide a safer acute-care environment for VIHA’s growing population.

Just some of the project’s many highlights include over 80 per cent single rooms with private bathrooms for enhanced privacy, confidentiality, comfort and infection control; state-of-the-art design and technology in accordance with LEED Gold standards; and access to natural light, natural ventilation and green spaces.

“As a result of one of the most aggressive capital programs in history, British Columbians have some of the best healthcare facilities in the world, and this award highlights that fact,” said Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon. “The design of this Patient Care Centre pulls together best practices from around the world, with clinical expertise and architectural excellence to offer a world-class facility.”
 
“The Patient Care Centre will offer South Island residents the best healthcare possible,” said Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong. “Elder-friendly and environmentally responsible, the 500-bed, 412,000-square-foot Patient Care Centre will improve patient privacy and comfort with spacious single rooms.”
 
The Public Private Finance Awards recognize and reward outstanding achievements in public private partnerships. The Best International Project award aims to promote best practice and recognize innovation and excellence.

The competition graded the Patient Care Centre project on seven elements, including effective risk assessment and transfer; quick financial close; design quality and sustainability; flexibility/alternative asset use; innovation, promotion of environmental measures; and operational performance.
 
“The Patient Care Centre is a great contribution to our community,” added Geoff Young, vice-chair of the Capital Regional Hospital District, a major funding partner. “This facility’s environmental focus means that not only will it protect the health of patients and staff, but also the surrounding local communities. We will all benefit.”
 
“We are incredibly proud to be acknowledged in this way,” said Jac Kreut, VIHA board chair. “This award is a testament to the strength of our partnership with ISL Health Canada, and the hard work of VIHA staff, clinicians and project personnel involved in this successful project.”
 
The Patient Care Centre is a public-private partnership between VIHA and ISL Health. ISL is responsible for the design, building, financing and maintenance of the state-of-the-art facility. VIHA will retain ownership of the facility and provide all health and medical services.
 
 A full list of 2010 Public Private Finance Award winners can be found at www.awards.publicprivatefinance.com.

For more information on VIHA’s Patient Care Centre, please visit www.viha.ca/patient_care_centre/.

Posted June 3, 2010