An official opening was held for the critical care tower at Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) on Monday.
While the new emergency department opened last October, the remaining floors of the eight-storey, $512-million hospital redevelopment and expansion project opened this month.
The new tower creates an additional 151 beds for SMH, increasing overall capacity by 30 per cent, to 650 beds.
“Residents of Surrey and other Fraser Health communities now have an improved health-care environment that is truly patient-centred.” said Dr. David Ostrow, Fraser Health interim president and CEO. “Eighty per cent of the tower rooms are single-patient for more privacy and better infection prevention and control. Each room includes a ‘family zone’ with a sofa bed or recliner so families can stay close to their loved ones.”
The tower will also double the capacity of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for high-risk, underweight babies, and includes B.C.'s first Ronald McDonald Family Room where parents can spend time while remaining steps away from their hospitalized children. A new neonatal and paediatric pharmacy in the NICU is the first of its kind for Canada.
The tower also has expanded stroke and intensive care units, as well as other specialized units. An expanded lab uses new robotics and automated technology.
UBC's facility of medicine will be located in the tower, allowing Fraser Health to expand SMH's role as a clinical academic campus. The location boasts a simulation lab that includes life-like mannequins which can be used by doctors, staff and students to practice skills and teamwork.
“Surrey Memorial Hospital has a proud history of providing exceptional care for patients at every stage of life, from newborns to seniors. Thanks to the support of the community and the province, our staff and physicians now have a state-of-the-art facility to serve the growing needs of patients and families from across the region for many years to come," said Ron Knight, SMH Foundation board chair.