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Summer 2024 - Quarterly Project Update
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Download the printable Summer 2024 Quarterly Project Update (images are included).
Where we’re at
Northern Health gets the keys on August 20!
PCL will officially transfer ownership of the new hospital to Northern Health on Tuesday, August 20. Note that this doesn’t mean the new hospital is now operational; rather, it means Northern Health can now undertake the next phase of work: activation work towards becoming operational. Staff and physicians are getting excited to see the inside of the hospital for the first time! They’ll get a chance to have a sneak peek of the new building the following Friday and Saturday. These brief tours are not considered orientation; almost a full month (Oct. 15 to Nov. 18) has been set aside for much of the staff and physician orientation and training in the new facility.
See project progress from May 2021 until now
Check out the latest construction time-lapse video!
Recent milestones:
- Local artist Alison Johansen is donating four of her beautiful paintings to the new facility; these will add colour and interest to the walls.
- Some new pathways outside the hospital are complete (see second timelapse photo above), and landscaping has started for some areas outside of the hospital.
- Efforts to recruit more physicians and staff continue.
- Several new state-of-the-art diagnostic machines, both large and small, have arrived at the new hospital – see articles below for more detail.
Where we’re going
Key move dates:
- Mon. Nov. 18 to Sat. Nov. 23: Phased move of some clinical and all non-clinical spaces.
- Sunday, November 24: The big day! Patients are moved; final equipment move takes place.
Activation and move planning: An update from Anne Chisholm, MMH Project Transition and Move Coordinator
The transition to the new hospital requires that the building becomes a functional hospital ready to provide patient care on the first day of the patient move. Activation is about the practical process of physically moving contents, stocking the building with equipment and supplies, and relocating patients from the existing hospital to the new facility.
Our activation strategy integrates building and operational readiness by identifying, organizing, and facilitating planning activities needed to bring the new facility to life, while maintaining the continuity of operations at the current hospital and minimizing downtime and risks to patient care activities throughout the transition period.
Our planning integrates environmental services, facility maintenance, biomedical engineering, materials management and logistics, protection services, IMIT, clinical scenarios testing, operational workflow simulations, emergency preparedness, orientation and training, communication and public relations, the physical move plan, and the patient transfer plan.
Recent highlights
New diagnostic imaging machines arrive
Three major new pieces of equipment have arrived: a new CT scanner was delivered at the end of May, a SPEC-CT machine arrived in June, and a new MRI arrived from Germany on July 22.
“All the machines represent the latest technology to provide patients in the Northwest with the most advanced imaging without having to travel to a larger centre,” said Marina Downs, Diagnostic Imaging Manager, Mills Memorial. “This will support our core values to provide care closest to home.”
The combined value of the three new state-of-the-art machines, which replace older equipment that was approaching the end of its life, is just under $5 million. The machines were funded as part of the overall hospital project by the North West Regional Hospital District and by the BC Ministry of Health through Northern Health.
For full details, check out this post (https://letstalk.northernhealth.ca/mmh/news_feed/draft-ct-scanner) on Let’s Talk.
Other new equipment will provide state-of-the-art care closer to home
In addition to the large machines mentioned above, the new hospital will boast several other new pieces of diagnostic equipment:
- New mammogram equipment and two new x-ray rooms
- One new fluoroscopy room (fluoroscopy is used for studies like barium swallows)
- Three new ultrasound machines, bringing the total to six
- One new portable x-ray machine, bringing the total to two
- One new C-arm (portable fluoroscopy machine) for the operating rooms, bringing the total to two. This machine makes it possible for physicians to do scans for bone injuries and other conditions during surgeries.
Celebrating MMH through stories
During the past 80 years, MMH has been part of many stories of joy, hope, change, and loss. As we look forward to the new hospital, let’s honour those special moments! Help us remember the existing Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace and all those who have worked and received care there. Go to Let’s Talk MMH to learn more, or download the story submission form.
Interested in working at the new hospital?
Several positions need to be filled at the current and future hospital, including clinical, support services, administration, and more! For more info and a list of job opportunities, download the MMH employment flyer. Or, go to NH Careers to search for current openings.
Learn more!
There are a couple of ways you can find out more about this exciting project:
- Go to letstalk.northernhealth.ca/MMH – it’s your one-stop shop for everything related to the Mills Memorial Hospital Replacement project. The site features regular project updates, a link to the construction camera, and more.
- Email letstalkMMH@northernhealth.ca with your questions and comments. We’re always happy to hear from you!
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New MRI, CT, and SPECT-CT machines arrive at the new hospital
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The new hospital currently nearing completion in Terrace has received three major new pieces of equipment that will help provide excellent care closer to home for people in the Northwest.
A new CT scanner was delivered at the end of May, a SPECT-CT machine arrived in June, and a new MRI arrived from Germany on July 22.
“All three machines represent the latest technology to provide patients in the Northwest with the most advanced imaging without having to travel to a larger centre,” said Marina Downs, Diagnostic Imaging Manager, Mills Memorial. “This will support our core values to provide care closest to home.”
“SPECT and MRI are regional services that Mills provides,” she added. “We support the whole Northwest for these two services. CT is pretty common now; for example, Prince Rupert has one and Smithers has one. Terrace does still support a large amount of regional patients for CT.”
The combined value of the three new state-of-the-art machines, which replace older equipment that was approaching the end of its life, is just under $5 million. The machines were funded as part of the overall hospital project by the North West Regional Hospital District, and by the BC Ministry of Health through Northern Health.
The new CT scanner is shown inside the new hospital, complete with a virtual skylight to help
patients feel more relaxed while being scanned.More about the new equipment:
- CT scanner:
- CT stands for “computed tomography,” which is a way of making 3D images of the inside of the human body.
- CT scanners use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, providing information about bone structures, soft tissues, and blood vessels.
- SPECT-CT:
- SPECT-CT machines combine two types of scans: single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT), creating highly defined 3D images of the inside of the body.
- This type of machine provides functional information that other imaging options can’t provide. SPECT-CTs are especially useful for detecting abnormal or cancerous cells and assessing musculoskeletal issues.
- MRI:
- MRI stands for “magnetic resonance imaging.”
- MRI machines use a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of our bodies’ internal structures. They excel at giving us images of soft tissues, organs, and the brain.
- Terrace’s new MRI machine can scan a patient’s whole body, including capturing from 100 to 100,000 images per study.
“Regional operation teams assessed the benefits of replacing the machines now to reduce any impact to regional patients and determined that it made more sense to get the new machines now,” said Marina. “For example, there would be replacement costs to install a new MRI machine because they’re large and complex, including some construction. To install new machines now means we can seamlessly move from our old hospital to the new hospital with only limited downtime.”
The space for the new MRI machine during construction. Michael King, Construction Manager at PCL, explained in a recent LinkedIn post that these machines must be installed in a copper-lined room to protect against magnetic interference.
The MRI machine arrives in its new home (which also features a virtual skylight) on July 22. “Planning for the installation of an MRI machine is a meticulous process,” said Michael King, Construction Manager at PCL.
- CT scanner:
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FAQ: What does a new hospital in Terrace mean for surrounding communities?
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When a community gains a new hospital, the entire region benefits.
Here's what a new hospital in Terrace means for other Northwest BC communities.
Download the MMH Regional Benefits flyer.
Stronger regional health care
Northern Health takes a regional approach to providing health care across Northern BC. The new hospital in Terrace will work in partnership with and complement other facilities in the region. A new Mills Memorial Hospital (MMH) will provide a foundation for services to grow in, and outreach programs to serve, surrounding communities.
New and expanded services
The new Terrace hospital will offer specialty care not currently available in the region, benefitting all Northwest BC residents. The new hospital will have an expanded level of neonatal and maternal care. This means some mothers and babies who previously would be transferred to bigger centres will be able to receive care in Terrace, closer to home. Similarly, with an enhanced trauma care program, many trauma patients who would be stabilized then transferred to Vancouver or Prince George will now be cared for at MMH. Terrace is also where Northwest BC psychiatry patients receive care, and the number of psychiatry beds at the new MMH is doubling, increasing from 10 to 20.
The new hospital will attract new specialists and physicians who will be able to engage with patients at other sites, for example, patients in Dease Lake, Stewart, and Haida Gwaii. The benefits of new staff, services and programs at the new MMH expand beyond Terrace.
Increased demand at other facilities
Contrary to concerns of the new MMH taking away from other facilities, the demand for services at other facilities may increase.
For example, the new MMH will offer orthopedic surgeries to support the enhanced trauma program. The demand for orthopedic surgeries is high enough that with more trauma-centred surgeries happening in Terrace, more elective surgeries will likely need to happen in Kitimat and Prince Rupert, where they are already taking place. Likewise, the need for services supplied to MMH by surrounding facilities may increase. The hospital in Kitimat provides laundry services to MMH, and the demand for this service will increase with a larger facility and more patient beds in Terrace.
Continued renovations, upgrades, and new builds
A new hospital in Terrace doesn’t stop renovations and new construction from happening in surrounding communities. Planning new facilities, as well as major and minor renovations and upgrades is an ongoing, comprehensive and regional process. For example, a new primary care clinic opened in Smithers in January 2024, and in recent years, several major pieces of equipment at Wrinch Hospital in the Hazeltons have been upgraded. We are committed to maintaining health care services and facilities throughout the region. New facilities and services, and major and minor renovations and upgrades will continue to be planned and take place throughout Northwest BC.
Regional recruitment
While a new hospital can be a significant draw for new employees, Northern Health aims to recruit equitably for all communities, especially those with higher vacancies. Candidates also have personal preferences when it comes to career opportunities and where they want to live in the region.
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Highlight: Emergency Department
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Download a copy of the Emergency Department poster.
Department features
- On Level 1
- Designated entrance, waiting area and registration area (separate from main entrance, waiting, registration area)
- Significantly larger and more welcoming space
- More patient treatment spaces
- Patient spaces separated by walls (not curtains) improving privacy and infection control
- Digital and in person registration desks
- Washrooms and hand hygiene sinks throughout
- Enclosed, heated double bay ambulance garage
- Two team care stations with strategic sight lines that enhance patient care, and patient and staff safety
Rendering of Emergency entrance
Rendering of Emergency department hallway
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'Closer to Home' campaign - video and case study
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Want to know more about the Dr. R.E.M Lee Foundation Closer to Home campaign? And why a Tier 3 level birthing unit at the new hospital in Terrace is so important for mothers, babies and all residents of Northwest BC?Watch the Closer to Home Video
Read the Closer to Home Case for Support
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Staff, physicians and specialists needed!
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Join the team at the new hospital
Download the Mills Memorial Hospital Employment flyer.
Job opportunities at the new hospital include
- Care Aide
- Diagnostics Imaging Technologist
- Dietitian
- Facility and Maintenance workers
- Food Services woker
- Health Information Professional
- Housekeeper
- Imaging Technician
- Indigenous Patient Health Assistant
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Medical Laboratory Clerk & Technologist
- Medical Office Assistant
- Mental Health Clinician & Staff
- Nurse Unit Clerk
- Occupational & Physio Therapist
- Patient Reception Staff
- Pharmacist & Pharmacy Staff
- Physician
- Registered Nurse
- Respiratory Therapist
- Social Worker
- Stores Attendant
In addition to family practitioners contracted to work at the hospital, various specialists will also be needed for the new hospital, such as:
- Orthopedic surgeon
- Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist
- Psychiatrist
- Urologist
- Anesthetist
- Gynecologist
- Pediatrician
Recruitment underway
Recruitment has already begun for new staff and physicians to work at the new hospital. Unfortunately, staffing shortages for medical and support positions are a current reality for all of BC and Canada; there’s simply not enough trained health professionals to fill all the positions and needs. Our aim is to work closely with our partners and be creative in our recruitment efforts.
For more information about staff positions at the new hospital, email NHjobs@northernhealth.ca
For more information about physician and specialist positions, email physicians@northernhealth.ca
New facility is appealing to work at
Thankfully, the chance to work at a new facility is a major draw for potential hires. The new hospital will have a variety of amenities, just for staff and physicians working there, such as:
- Wellness and exercise area
- Changerooms, showers and lockers
- Lounge with kitchen, comfortable seating, TVs and work computer stations
- Breastfeeding and pump room
- Secure, outdoor storage locker for bikes
- Staff garden
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Planning for patient care at the new hospital
Share Planning for patient care at the new hospital on Facebook Share Planning for patient care at the new hospital on Twitter Share Planning for patient care at the new hospital on Linkedin Email Planning for patient care at the new hospital linkThe construction and design of the new hospital and Seven Sisters are still an important focus of the Mills Memorial Replacement project. However, we are also ramping up planning and work around patient care and operations at the new facilities.
Staffing and recruitment plans underway
We are currently working to determine the exact staffing levels that will be needed for both new facilities. With an increase in services, a significant increase in the number of staff in various positions will be necessary. Staffing plans must consider many factors, including who to hire, and how to balance the duties and workloads of different staff in different departments.
Anne Chisholm, Transition CoordinatorTransition Coordinator hiredGetting the facility ready for patient use includes preparing physical space, equipment, and technology. But people need to be ready too. New space and technology mean new ways of working for staff, physicians, and managers who need to be supported with training and development to provide care and service with the new workflows, new equipment and new technologies. Patients and families and the broader community will also need to be supported to get to know the new hospital.
Anne Chisholm has joined the project to help coordinate and support staff, physicians, and managers to become ready to provide care, services and supports in the new hospital and Seven Sisters. She has over 35 years of experience in health care, first as a staff nurse followed by many years of management and leadership work in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and British Columbia. Two of her recent projects include the establishment of the Primary Care Medical Unit at UHNBC and the Urgent Care Centre in Prince George. Anne is excited by challenges and successes that come with working collaboratively to solve problems. She will quickly become a familiar face around the hospital. Say hello when you see her!
More supports
- A Recruitment and Retention Ambassador position specifically for Northwest BC has been created. The role will play a big part in recruitment efforts for the new facilities in Terrace.
- A Physician Lead position, who will help with the transition and recruitment of physicians for the new facilities, is in development.
- A company that specializes in healthcare facility transitions will support the physical move from the current hospital to the new one.
More info
For a list of potential employment opportunities read the post: FAQ: How many new staff will you hire?
Job listings and more info about working for Northern Health can be found at: https://careers.northernhealth.ca
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Highlight: New ambulance garage
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Patients arriving at the new Mills Memorial Hospital by ambulance can expect a more comfortable and private experience as a result of a new, fully-enclosed, drive-through ambulance garage.The new ambulance garage is on the northeast corner of the main floor of the new hospital, near Keith Avenue.
At the current hospital, ambulances back into the emergency department lot behind the hospital. Patients are then transported out of the back of the ambulance, through the elements, through the main emergency entrance.
With the new garage, which has two bays, patients will be transferred in a fully-enclosed, temperature-regulated space. Once the ambulance pulls into the garage, the doors will shut to protect patients and staff from the outdoors and weather, which can be extreme at different at times in Terrace. Patients will then be transported directly into the emergency department, far away from the main emergency entrance.
The new garage was designed to meet industry standards in consultation with BC Emergency Health Services, which oversees the BC Ambulance Service.
Ambulance parking area, behind the hospital next to the Emergency Department, at the current hospital. 
View of ambulance entrance from inside current Mills Memorial Hospital.
