An expanded emergency department at Port Alberni’s West Coast General Hospital had its official opening Friday, adding three new examination beds, more space for patients awaiting tests and results, and a seclusion room for those with mental-health issues.
The expansion includes improvements to the admitting area, more clinical space and an overall increase of 2,626 square feet.
The project came about through a partnership involving the Island Health Authority, the West Coast General Hospital Foundation, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional Hospital District and First Nations, said Health Minister Adrian Dix.
“Island Health has been working with the local First Nations communities to advance equitable access to culturally safe care by creating a hospital where every patient is treated with honour, respect and dignity,” said Island Health board chair Leah Hollins. “The larger waiting area and new treatment rooms that can accommodate larger family groups were designed based on feedback provided directly by the local Indigenous partners.”
The $6.95-million cost was shared by the province at $2.55 million, the hospital foundation at $2.4 million, the hospital district at $1.7 million and the Island Health Authority at $0.3 million.
“It is fantastic to see the completion of our expanded emergency department,” said Dr. Gregory dePape, Island Health medical director for the Alberni-Clayoquot region. “It provides our clinical team with the increased space and updated equipment we need for the delivery of safe, quality care in a modern hospital setting.”
The hospital opened in 2001 and has 52 in-patient beds. Its emergency department had 25,715 patient visits in 2022.
Ken Watts, elected chief of the Tseshaht First Nation, acknowledged everyone who participated in the project.
“We know that health care can be challenging and we still have work to do on our shared journey to improve the quality of care for not only Indigenous patients, but all clients,” he said. “These important emergency room improvements at WCGH are important steps forward as we commit to working hand-in-hand together, as one.”
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