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• FAQ: How has community feedback inspired design?

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  Community engagement has been a crucial part of the hospital replacement project since day one. Through online engagement, in-person events, and working groups, we gathered community input to ensure the new space would be welcoming and culturally safe for all.

  We are so grateful for the feedback we’ve received along the way, and it has shaped how the hospital has been built.

  When we asked what would make the hospital culturally safe, you said:

  • Representation of the seasons of the year, keeping with Dakelh culture and worldview
  • Representation of nature, since it’s healing and welcoming to all cultures
  • Windows to the outside to provide natural light and views to the sky, lake, and trees
  • Room to come together to drink, eat, celebrate, and grieve as a community
  • Fire is important
  • Circles on ceiling (representing drums) in spiritual spaces

  So, what does that look like in practice?

  
  

  Representation of the seasons and nature

  The final colour palette for the facility showcases the beauty of Fort St. James’ transitioning seasons to identify different areas of the hospital. The hospital features two colour schemes inspired by warmth and frost. Visit our FAQ about the colour palette to learn more.

  
  

  Other than bringing nature-inspired colours and finishes into the facility, the most exciting way we’re showcasing the natural beauty of Fort St James is by letting it speak for itself…

  
  

  Windows and natural light

  …and the best way to do that? Big, beautiful windows throughout the facility!

  Natural light is a priority in the new build, so you’ll notice large windows with picturesque views throughout each department. Virtually all the windows in the new hospital feature views of the mountains, the lake, the forest, or gardens.

  
  

  
  

  Pictured left to right: Hallway in Long Term Care, a window in Primary Care, the front entrance of the hospital, and a patient room in Long Term Care

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Room to come together to celebrate and to grieve as a community (fire is important)

  Bringing loved ones together is important, so we’ve ensured there’s lots of room to do so in the new hospital and health centre.

  A Gathering Space has been created with tables and chairs to gather for meals, card games, or other activities – all built around a standalone fireplace.

  In Long Term Care, there is a relaxing lounge in the common area for residents and family to visit each other, featuring a built-in fireplace.

  
  

  Pictured left to right: Rendering of the Gathering Space, April progress photo of the Gathering Space, Rendering of the common lounge area in Long Term Care

  
  

  A palliative care suite has been developed that has two separate spaces: one large room for patient care, and another adjoining room where family can stay with a kitchenette. The palliative suite opens onto the Healing Garden where culturally important plants and trees will grow. The doors in the palliative care suite are wide enough that a bed can be wheeled all the way out to enjoy the garden.

  
  

  Pictured left to right: Family room in palliative care with adjoining patient room, Rendering of the Healing Garden

  
  

  We understand how hard it can be when a loved one passes on. In the morgue, there is a quiet room where families can gather and take as much time as needed, surrounded by art.

  
  

  Circles on ceiling and smudging in spiritual spaces

  The Spiritual Space is available to all who visit the hospital, and the design has been heavily influenced by the feedback we received. In addition to a large window looking out to gardens, the space features circle shapes on the ceiling and has been constructed to accommodate smudging.

  Rather than only adding the circle shapes in the Spiritual Space, lighting resembling drums has been added throughout the facility – especially in Long Term Care.

  Pictured left to right: Rendering of the Spiritual Space, April progress photo of the Spiritual Space, Rendering of Long Term Care dining area

  
  

  Thank you to everyone who has shared their input on the hospital replacement project so far! Soon, we will begin the process to select art for the facility. If you are interested in joining our art committee, please reach out to letstalkSLH@northernhealth.ca.

  
  

  
  

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• FAQ: How did you pick the colours for the new hospital?

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  Since the beginning of the design process, we've prioritized community input to make sure the new build feels welcoming to all.

  Our team connected with key leaders in the community, health care staff, and the Nak'azdli Whut'en, Tl'azt'en, Binche Whut'en, Takla Lake, and Yekooche First Nations to ensure collaboration every step of the way.

  As these consultations went on, a recurring theme emerged: wanting the new build to reflect the natural beauty of the area.

  With that direction, our design team took inspiration from the landscape features of the lake and the forest as a foundation for the master colour palette. After more community consultations, the final colour palette showcases the beauty of Fort St. James' transitioning seasons to identify different areas in the hospital.

  
  

  So, what colours were chosen?

  The hospital will feature two colour schemes inspired by the warmth and frost of the changing seasons in Fort St. James.

  

  As the temperatures change through the transition of seasons, the land sees frost begin to appear in the late autumn months (Admin & Lab). While things may be chilly outdoors, winter brings warmth indoors through cherished family gatherings in the home (Long Term Care). Frost lingers through spring as the the days begin to stretch, soon bringing blossom to the landscape (Emergency). Finally, the familiar sunny skies of summer bathe the landscape in warmth (Primary Care).

  

  
  

  The space between each area will be kept light and neutral to represent the balance of the seasons. Throughout the facility, wood finishings are used to tie the space together. We'll be sharing detailed renderings and progress for each area soon, but here's a preview of what to expect!

  
  

  Top left: Emergency waiting area, Bottom Left: Main lobby/reception, Top right: Long term care nursing station, Bottom Right: Primary Care waiting area.
  
  Note: All renderings are approximate and subject to change

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• FAQ: What about labour and delivery at the new hospital?

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  Good question. Labour and delivery are major life events, and for many individuals and families this is a time of pregnancy with lots of uncertainty. Gathering tiny shirts and socks, finding a car seat or someone to watch the other kids are are some of the necessary preparations for a new baby, and for many families in Northern BC, travel is a factor that must be taken into account as well. This will continue to be the case for families and individuals in the Stuart Lake area.

  For folks in Fort St. James and the surrounding communities, deciding to have a baby in the Stuart Lake Hospital wasn't an option since the hospital couldn't accommodate labour and delivery complications. Although a labour and delivery room will be part of the new hospital, these are to accommodate emergency and unexpected deliveries, where transportation to Vanderhoof or Prince George is not possible.

  For those of us living in this area, Vanderhoof's St. John's Hospital and UHNBC's Maternity Care Unit will continue to be where we labour and deliver. While traveling from home to give birth is not ideal for some, knowing the diversion hospitals are there and ready for you is some comfort.

  Thank you for your questions, and please keep them coming. We want to hear from you.

• FAQ: What about parking?

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  Parking at the Stuart Lake Hospital has always been a bit of a challenge. In a small lot, where the parking lines are obscured for up to eight months of the year, it can be tricky to decide where to safely stow your truck or car.

  You'll be happy to hear that once the new hospital is built, parking is and will remain free at Stuart Lake Hospital, and given the lot is gaining size and stalls, it's definitely going to be easier to park for the duration of your visit to the facility.

  85 new parking stalls will be provided, and the plan for the meantime includes keeping as much of the existing parking available by requiring the contractor to make alternate parking arrangements for their workers.

  3 of these new stalls will be wheelchair accessible, with above ground signage and access avenues on either side. These sites are the closest of all the parking spots to the front doors to ensure easy access and the safety of visitors.

  There will be a period of time when the old hospital is demolished that parking will be constrained once again, but a portion of the new parking area, including the wheelchair accessible sites, will be available to the public and staff.

  We still have to contend with winter conditions and an icy lot for a good portion of the year, but rest assured, when the new hospital is here, parking will be a lot easier.

  Let us know what you think! Your comments and questions are always welcome.

  
  

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• FAQ: Staffing the new hospital

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  A new, state-of-the-art hospital is a large incentive to help drive recruitment and retention for Fort St. James. Planning for staff at the new hospital has already begun with much discussion around recruitment strategies and the number and mix of staff that will be required.

  While this is being determined, Northern Health is looking at nearly doubling the number of full time employees for the Stuart Lake Hospital.

  Northern Health recruiters are working in partnership with the physicians, the Primary Care Society, the community and the First Nations Health Authority to attract and retain physicians and staff in Fort St James. We are in partnership with local schools to develop workers from within community.

  We know that employment opportunities will be available in a number of areas in the new hospital, including:

  • Housekeeper
  • Cook
  • Food Service Worker
  • Stores Attendant
  • Facilities Maintenance
  • Registration Clerk
  • Imaging Tech
  • Medical Lab Technologist
  • Lab Clerk
  • Care Aid
  • Licensed Practical Nurse
  • Registered Nurse
  • Primary Care Assistant
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Community Health Worker
  • Rehabilitation Assistant
  • Mental Health Clinician
  • Social Worker
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Physician

  As opening day comes closer, expect updates here at Let's Talk and at the Northern Health Recruitment on how to apply. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have questions, ideas or concerns. We welcome your input!