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A Project Update: July 2024

Project Status Update

The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital really starting to take shape and construction is continuing to progress well!

Since our last update, the foundation walls and the last concrete pour for the structural slabs were completed. In addition, work is underway on waterproofing, reinforcing steel, vertical construction and the installation of the multi-trade racks. Over the coming weeks, work will begin on the installation of structural steel.

Two other major milestones were achieved over the past few months – the City of Dawson Creek issued the third and final Building Permit to Graham in June and two of the 100% design packages have been received. The third and final 100% design package will be received in mid-August.

Operational Readiness and Transition Planning

We’re excited to share that we have hired Angus Connect to provide Operational Readiness Advisory Services for the project. Angus Connect (a division of H.H. Angus & Associates Ltd) is a private consulting firm that provides advisory services based on clinical expertise and real-world experience.

As we prepare for the new facility to open in Spring 2027, they will follow a 3-phased approach:

Phase 1: Project initiation and assessment (Summer 2024)
Phase 2: Development and implementation (Fall 2025 – Fall 2026)
Phase 3: Transition plan, move, and learn (Summer 2026 – Summer 2027)

Angus Connect will help prepare and implement a plan to ensure Northern Health is ready to deliver the right care, at the right time, in the new facility. Through stakeholder engagement, detailed assessments, gap analysis, and patient journey mapping the team will help develop work plans for all programs and units. They will also support the development of the orientation, training, simulation and implementation plans to help ensure that the provision of healthcare services is not adversely impacted and that access to care will continue throughout the transition period.

Earlier this summer, Angus Connect kick-started this work and completed their first site visit with two workshops about lessons learned and corporate opening day view. The team looks forward to working with local leadership to help ensure a smooth transition into the new hospital.

Department Highlights

Maternity Unit

The maternity unit in the new facility includes 4 labour, delivery, recovery, and post-partum (LDRP) rooms – all of which are private with ensuite washrooms. Two rooms have birthing tubs and one room is bariatric with a larger floor plan that can support twin births. The LDRP model of care allows patients to experience labour, delivery and post-partum all while staying in the same room. The unit also features a quiet room, a holding nursery with advanced equipment, and an infant protection system.

Key features of the maternity rooms include:

Large windows for access to natural light
Birthing bed and bedside table
Infant area with a built-in isolette and warmer
Rocker chair
Pull out couch
Small refrigerator
Wardrobe
Interactive patient education/entertainment system

Emergency Department

The emergency department in the new facility will be significantly larger (double in size from the current one) and a more welcoming space. There will be a designated entrance, registration area, and waiting area – which is separate from the main entrance. Treatment spaces are private and separated by walls to improve patient privacy. Staff workstations will be situated with clear sight lines to waiting areas and treatment spaces to enhance patient care and safety.

Key features of the emergency department include:

15 treatment spaces
3 high acuity treatment spaces
4 clinical decision spaces
2 tandem trauma/resuscitation bays
Negative pressure treatment rooms
Crisis interview room
Quiet bereavement room
Enclosed, heated double bay ambulance garage
Site security office for improved safety

Engagement Initiatives

Celebrating 1-year of construction and our amazing staff!

In collaboration with local leadership, the DCDH Project Management Office hosted a lunch celebration for Hospital, Health Unit and Rotary Manor staff to celebrate 1-year of construction on the new hospital. Everyone was invited to come down and have a bite to eat, mix and mingle with the friends and colleagues, and see the new hospital coming together right across the street.

The Meat Doctor put together an excellent meal and Dawson Creek Co-op donated cold drinks and cookies for dessert!

Deep Physio Summer Solstice Run

On Saturday, June 22, Deep Physio hosted their 10th annual Summer Solstice Run at Walter Wright Pioneer Village. It was a beautiful sunny morning and runners from all over the Peace Country laced up their shoes and gathered to celebrate fitness and giving back to the community!

The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation was the recipient of this year’s event and received a generous donation of $5,500 to put towards local health care!

NH Spring Leadership Forum

On May 8 and 9, we showcased the project at the annual Northern Health Spring Leadership Forum in Prince George. This year’s forum brought in over 100 leaders from across the region for two days of education, collaboration, and networking. The leaders were also able to experience 50+ demo pods centered around Digital Health, SaferCare, and HealthSpaces.

The project booths featured draft renderings, construction progress photos, video walk-throughs, sample materials and finishes boards, live construction cameras, swag and giveaways, and two 3D printed cranes!

Interested in learning more?

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Email us at LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

Categories: Quarterly Update