Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement – Dawson Creek, BC

Project Overview

We are building a new, state-of-the-art hospital to address current and future health and patient care needs.

The vision of the project is to create a model of excellence in health care that will incorporate modern best practices and standards for the hospital, as well as meet the future needs of the region.

Project Overview

We are building a new, state-of-the-art hospital to address current and future health and patient care needs.

The new hospital will improve the healing environment and provide culturally safe care for residents of the Northeast. It will benefit patients, families, physicians and staff through strengthened existing services. The project will support recruitment, retention, and engagement of health care workers and bring local economic benefits to the City of Dawson Creek, surrounding areas, and local Indigenous communities.

The new hospital will be over 50% bigger than the current hospital (approx. 24,500m² / 263,000ft²) and will include:

24 additional beds, bringing the total up to 70 beds, all of which will be single rooms with ensuite washrooms.
An emergency department that is double the size of the existing one, with a treatment spaces increasing from 10 to 15.
Support for new moms and families through a maternity unit including labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms and a nursery.

Improved mental health service delivery with an increase of beds from 15 to 18, plus 2 high observation rooms.
Space for a laboratory, medical imaging, and physical rehabilitation.
A range of surgical services as well as ambulatory care including cancer care, IV therapy, respiratory therapy, and visiting specialists.
A spiritual room for use by people of all faiths and cultures that can accommodate cultural ceremonies such as smudging.
Improved regional pharmacy services that meet the new National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities guidelines and requirements.
Culturally safe and welcoming spaces that are designed with input and feedback from surrounding Indigenous communities as well as the local community.
Increased parking capacity with over 290 parking stalls for patients, visitors, and staff.

The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is being built in Treaty 8 territory, the ancestral home of the Beaver, Cree, Saulteau, Sicannie (Sikanni), and Slavey. Northern Health acknowledges the hospital serves the communities of Blueberry River First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, Kelly Lake Communities, Prophet River First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, and West Moberly First Nations; as well as Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous populations within the Peace Region of Treaty 8 territory.

The budget for the project is approximately $590 million which is shared by the provincial government, through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District.

Ask a question

Welcome to the Q&A tool! With this tool, you can:

Ask a question directly to the Project Management Team
View recently asked questions by others

Here's how the tool works:

Ask your question in the box below and click "Submit"
Submitted questions are reviewed by the Project Management Team
We will respond to questions as fast as we can
Sometimes answers require information from multiple sources therefore might take additional time to answer

You need to be signed in to add your question.

Share We have shortage for old folks as one wing or more in hospital dedicated to them waiting for rotary manor so why can’t we save the newest part of the hospital and set it for beds n care givers in that space as it will not have asbestos as was told the old one did- solid building hate to see all ripped down. on Facebook Share We have shortage for old folks as one wing or more in hospital dedicated to them waiting for rotary manor so why can’t we save the newest part of the hospital and set it for beds n care givers in that space as it will not have asbestos as was told the old one did- solid building hate to see all ripped down. on Twitter Share We have shortage for old folks as one wing or more in hospital dedicated to them waiting for rotary manor so why can’t we save the newest part of the hospital and set it for beds n care givers in that space as it will not have asbestos as was told the old one did- solid building hate to see all ripped down. on Linkedin Email We have shortage for old folks as one wing or more in hospital dedicated to them waiting for rotary manor so why can’t we save the newest part of the hospital and set it for beds n care givers in that space as it will not have asbestos as was told the old one did- solid building hate to see all ripped down. link

We have shortage for old folks as one wing or more in hospital dedicated to them waiting for rotary manor so why can’t we save the newest part of the hospital and set it for beds n care givers in that space as it will not have asbestos as was told the old one did- solid building hate to see all ripped down.

Ann Sluggett asked 12 days ago

Hi Ann, thank you for your question!
Unfortunately the newer section of the current hospital cannot be retained because it also does not meet today’s clinical and patient care standards and cannot operate independently. It relies heavily on the older portion of the building for essential mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Key services such as the Emergency Department, Medical Imaging, and Laboratory are interconnected with systems housed in the older section. There is no practical way to sustain only one part of the building without the supporting infrastructure.
Once the new hospital is open and operational, the current hospital will become inactive, be emptied out and then removed. After abatement and removal of the existing facility, the site will be cleared and turned back into developable land for potential future use.
Share Is there a garden area outside with benches or seating? on Facebook Share Is there a garden area outside with benches or seating? on Twitter Share Is there a garden area outside with benches or seating? on Linkedin Email Is there a garden area outside with benches or seating? link

Is there a garden area outside with benches or seating?

Nlisaroy asked 4 months ago

Hello and thank you for your question!
Yes, at the main entrance to the new hospital there will be seating areas for at least 12 people, including 2 wheelchairs. There is also a landscape expansion area adjacent to the main entrance that will have additional seating for at least 20 people. This zone is designed to provide patients and visitors with outdoor resting areas and walking pathways in a natural park-like setting. The pathways will be constructed of a durable hard surface that is accessible to all including those with wheelchairs and mobility aids.
In addition, the covered and secure staff entrance also features a secure courtyard and garden to provide staff with outdoor resting areas including tables, chairs, and benches with seating for at least 10 people. This space provides staff with visual privacy from the public and patient care areas.
Share Ultra sound on Facebook Share Ultra sound on Twitter Share Ultra sound on Linkedin Email Ultra sound link

Ultra sound

Harjinder asked 6 months ago

Hello, thank you for your question! The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital will have 4 ultrasound rooms.
Share What is Northern Health doing about all the doctors leaving the area? How do you plan on keeping or even recruiting new ones? on Facebook Share What is Northern Health doing about all the doctors leaving the area? How do you plan on keeping or even recruiting new ones? on Twitter Share What is Northern Health doing about all the doctors leaving the area? How do you plan on keeping or even recruiting new ones? on Linkedin Email What is Northern Health doing about all the doctors leaving the area? How do you plan on keeping or even recruiting new ones? link

What is Northern Health doing about all the doctors leaving the area? How do you plan on keeping or even recruiting new ones?

chuck4 asked about 2 years ago

Hello, thank you for your question!
A new state-of-the art hospital is a large incentive to help drive recruitment and retention for Dawson Creek and the Northeast. Throughout the project, current and future staffing needs are being considered and there have been many discussions around recruitment strategies.
Northern Health Recruiters work in partnership with physicians and the South Peace Emerging Division of Family Practice to attract and retain physicians in Dawson Creek. We will actively recruit staff, physicians and specialists to cover the expansion of services at the new DCDH.
We are optimistic that we can recruit and maintain a sustainable health care workforce that offers quality care.
Share Since blood supply in the blood banks is very low, are there any plans to establish a blood donor unit within our hospital? on Facebook Share Since blood supply in the blood banks is very low, are there any plans to establish a blood donor unit within our hospital? on Twitter Share Since blood supply in the blood banks is very low, are there any plans to establish a blood donor unit within our hospital? on Linkedin Email Since blood supply in the blood banks is very low, are there any plans to establish a blood donor unit within our hospital? link

Since blood supply in the blood banks is very low, are there any plans to establish a blood donor unit within our hospital?

Trey asked about 2 years ago

Hello, thank you for your question! There will not be a blood donor unit in the new DCDH.
The Canadian Blood Services is responsible for providing blood, plasma, as well as transfusion and stem cell registry services, on behalf of all provincial and territorial governments. For donor centre hours and locations, visit https://www.blood.ca/en/blood/donor-centre-hours-locations.
Share The current hospital is on a transit route, is this something that will be included in the new hospital; to continue to have a transit connection at the new site, or will people have to walk from the old one to the new one. on Facebook Share The current hospital is on a transit route, is this something that will be included in the new hospital; to continue to have a transit connection at the new site, or will people have to walk from the old one to the new one. on Twitter Share The current hospital is on a transit route, is this something that will be included in the new hospital; to continue to have a transit connection at the new site, or will people have to walk from the old one to the new one. on Linkedin Email The current hospital is on a transit route, is this something that will be included in the new hospital; to continue to have a transit connection at the new site, or will people have to walk from the old one to the new one. link

The current hospital is on a transit route, is this something that will be included in the new hospital; to continue to have a transit connection at the new site, or will people have to walk from the old one to the new one.

rvanspronsen asked over 2 years ago

Hello, thank you for the question! It may be best if you contact BC Transit to see how often they review their current service routes and if they would take this feedback into consideration. With that being said, Northern Health plans to engage with them as the project is more advanced to suggest this potential route change be considered to service the new hospital.
Share Is our new hospital going to have an ICU unit? Thanks on Facebook Share Is our new hospital going to have an ICU unit? Thanks on Twitter Share Is our new hospital going to have an ICU unit? Thanks on Linkedin Email Is our new hospital going to have an ICU unit? Thanks link

Is our new hospital going to have an ICU unit? Thanks

Thomasjg asked over 2 years ago

Hello, thank you for the question!
The new hospital will not have an intensive care unit (ICU). The high acuity unit (HAU) accepts, stabilizes, and provides advanced care and a range of services for the most acutely ill or injured patients that require more intensive nursing services. The HAU will continue to operate 24/7 in the new facility. The rooms are being designed similar to in-patient rooms but they will have a ventilator and one-on-one nursing, as required.
Share Traffic Access - will there be a new road/access to the hospital from 112th Avenue & 9th Street? Is there an overview somewhere of the proposed layout of the project somewhere we can view? on Facebook Share Traffic Access - will there be a new road/access to the hospital from 112th Avenue & 9th Street? Is there an overview somewhere of the proposed layout of the project somewhere we can view? on Twitter Share Traffic Access - will there be a new road/access to the hospital from 112th Avenue & 9th Street? Is there an overview somewhere of the proposed layout of the project somewhere we can view? on Linkedin Email Traffic Access - will there be a new road/access to the hospital from 112th Avenue & 9th Street? Is there an overview somewhere of the proposed layout of the project somewhere we can view? link

Traffic Access - will there be a new road/access to the hospital from 112th Avenue & 9th Street? Is there an overview somewhere of the proposed layout of the project somewhere we can view?

Jason asked over 2 years ago

Hello, thank you for the question! There will be a separate driveway entrance to the new hospital off of 112 Ave, located between 12 St and 9 St. We plan to release the draft site plan within the next month, so be sure to check back in a few weeks!
Share A daycare within the hospital that accommodates long shifts and evening shifts could be a very enticing incentive to attract nursing staff and hospital workers. Has this been considered? on Facebook Share A daycare within the hospital that accommodates long shifts and evening shifts could be a very enticing incentive to attract nursing staff and hospital workers. Has this been considered? on Twitter Share A daycare within the hospital that accommodates long shifts and evening shifts could be a very enticing incentive to attract nursing staff and hospital workers. Has this been considered? on Linkedin Email A daycare within the hospital that accommodates long shifts and evening shifts could be a very enticing incentive to attract nursing staff and hospital workers. Has this been considered? link

A daycare within the hospital that accommodates long shifts and evening shifts could be a very enticing incentive to attract nursing staff and hospital workers. Has this been considered?

L Studley asked over 2 years ago

Hello, thank you for your question! There will not be a daycare space within the new hospital as it was not included in the approved scope of the project.
Northern Health is working on programs and partnerships in other communities to give staff preferred placement spots and extended hours for rotating and extended shift-workers. This includes a pilot project partnership with the YMCA of Northern BC in Fort St. John. If the pilot program is successful, we anticipate it being implemented in other communities such as Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge, and Chetwynd.
Northern Health also recently hired a new Regional Manager for Housing and Childcare who is proactively focusing on working to support and create solutions for staff within these areas.
Share Will there be a dialysis unit in the new hospital? on Facebook Share Will there be a dialysis unit in the new hospital? on Twitter Share Will there be a dialysis unit in the new hospital? on Linkedin Email Will there be a dialysis unit in the new hospital? link

Will there be a dialysis unit in the new hospital?

L Studley asked over 2 years ago

Hello, thank you for your question! There is no kidney dialysis unit planned for the new DCDH. We don't have the service in our current hospital and the programming isn't changing for the new build.
Peritoneal dialysis is provided and taught to patients who require it. Patients who require kidney dialysis are normally referred to Fort St. John Hospital.