Shaping Our Future Tower: Insights from Nats’oojeh Hospital and Health Centre

Last week, the UHNBC Acute Care Tower project team had the privilege of visiting the newly opened Nats’oojeh Hospital and Health Center in Fort St. James, a facility that marks a significant milestone in rural health care for Northern BC.

This visit provided an opportunity to engage with staff, explore the facility’s design, and gather insights into how the built environment supports care delivery. The goal was to better understand how design choices influence workflow, patient experience, and operational efficiency - knowledge that will inform the development of the new tower.

A Tour of Innovation

The tour highlighted how thoughtful design can enhance both patient care and staff collaboration. From the layout of clinical spaces to the integration of natural light and culturally safe spaces, every detail seemed to reflect a deep understanding of the needs of rural health care.

The team heard directly from staff about what’s working well and where there are opportunities for improvement. These conversations were invaluable, offering real-world feedback that will help shape the tower's design.

Highlights from the Day

The visit included a guided walkthrough of several key areas:

🌿 Primary Care Area – Exploring how the space supports continuity of care and patient access.

🤝 Staff Rooms – Observing how design fosters collaboration and well-being.

🛏️ Acute Care Patient Rooms – Learning how layout and features enhance patient comfort and safety.

🌳 Outdoor Green Spaces – Experiencing the calming effect of nature-integrated design.

⚙️ Basement Facilities – Understanding the infrastructure that supports daily operations.

🌞 Rooftop Spaces – Seeing how even the roof contributes to functionality and sustainability.

📷 Scroll down to view photos from the visit.

Looking Ahead

Site visits like this play a critical role in the planning process. Health care spaces are more than buildings, they’re environments that shape experiences, outcomes, and relationships.

We’re grateful to the team at Nats’oojeh Hospital and Health Center for welcoming us and sharing their journey. Their insights will help ensure that the new tower reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.