A fundraising campaign and lottery are being launched for a planned $2-million home-away-from home in Campbell River to serve northern Vancouver Island and north coast patients and their loved ones.
The plan is to build a 10-bedroom lodge for adult patients from 32 communities who travel for services and procedures at Campbell River and District Hospital. The Strathcona Regional District is building and running the facility and will cover operating costs.
The Campbell River Hospital Foundation is leading the fundraising.
Having loved ones close is an advantage to patients and promotes healing, the district said.
It can be challenging for patients and those who are helping them when they come to Campbell River, Aniko Nelson, regional district senior manager of community services, said Tuesday.
Patients may not have a place to stay or money for accommodation, especially during a lengthy stay. Some people have slept in their vehicles. Others — particularly during the height of Covid — have had difficulty finding a washroom.
Costs can climb for out-of-town stays and people may have to choose between having a place to sleep or something to eat, Nelson said.
The lodge will be called Just Like Home and that’s the intention of the project. People needing medical services will be just steps from the hospital.
The cost will be $25 per night and if additional assistance is needed, guests can contact the office before their stay.
“This really will mean a lot to a lot of people and we’re just really happy to provide something for our hospital users,” Nelson said.
The building will have separate bedrooms with private washrooms, a large communal living area, a shared kitchen and laundry. Day-use rooms will be available for family members who are not staying in the lodge to give them a break from the hospital environment.
It will give people a place to have a shower, to rest, to make coffee and meals in the kitchen. If someone has to travel home by ferry, they can stay there until it is time to leave.
Onsite parking and hook-ups for recreational vehicles will also be available.
Island Health is providing the site at no charge under a 40-year agreement, Nelson said.
District board chair Brad Unger said, “Over the years, we have all known people that would have benefited from such a place, and we are so pleased to offer our community members this option.
“Whether patients need accommodation for services scheduled early in the morning, discharged from hospital in the late evening, or need to stay for multiple days, the Just Like Home Lodge will provide a safe, healthy environment.”
A similar facility dedicated to families opened last year.
Myra Egan, foundation chair, said, “During moments of medical crisis, travel time and finding appropriate accommodation contributes to increased emotional and economic stress for both patients and their families. We are proud to be a part of a project that will make access to care easier for rural communities.”
Fundraising was given a strong start by a $500,000 donation from a local citizen who wishes to remain anonymous.
The foundation is staging a lottery with proceeds going to the Just Like Home lodge. Tickets are $40 each. They can be purchased online at crhospitalfoundation.ca. Donations can be made through that site as well.
