Penticton

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Premier Christy Clark announces that the government will be moving forward with business case planning for a new patient care tower at Penticton Regional Hospital.

The Penticton Regional Hospital may be getting a new patient care tower after all. Premier Christy Clark was in town this morning to announce the government is proceeding with business case planning.

"After my visit to Penticton last month, I was committed to look at how we can move along plans for the new tower," said Premier Clark.

"Penticton residents have been telling us they need an expanded hospital, and we listened."

It is expected that business case development will get underway next month and be completed in 2013-14, followed by construction of a new tower.

The scope, cost and schedule will be finalized as part of the business case. It’s anticipated the capital cost of the redevelopment project will be shared between the Province and the Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District and the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.

"A new hospital in Penticton will be welcomed by patients and their families as well as the hundreds of committed health-care workers who care for them," said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid.

"Moving to business case planning is a critical step in making it a reality."

Early indications are that the new tower will maximize interior wood content in accordance with the Wood First Act and be part of a $2.3-billion health sector capital plan over the next three years.