NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010HSERV0009-000158 Feb. 15, 2010

Ministry of Health Services Fraser Health

 

SURREY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL EXPANSION MOVES FORWARD

 

SURREY – The expansion and redevelopment of Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) took another step forward today with the release of the request for proposals (RFP) by Fraser Health.

 

“The expansion at Surrey Memorial Hospital represents the largest capital investment in the history of health care in British Columbia,” said Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon. “Today is an important step forward as we continue to build better patient care in Surrey.”

 

The SMH expansion includes a new critical care tower, complete with an expanded emergency department, centre of excellence in care for high-risk newborns and a clinical academic campus for Surrey. Once complete, 151 new patient beds will be added to reduce congestion and improve patient service.

 

“Another key project milestone has been reached today with the release of the RFP for the redevelopment and expansion of Surrey Memorial Hospital,” said Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer.

 

The release of the RFP represents a significant stage in the procurement process. The three teams participating in the RFP are: BC Healthcare Solutions, ISL Health and Integrated Team Solutions. Once submissions to the RFP are received and evaluated, a preferred proponent will be selected and offered the opportunity to negotiate a performance-based agreement to design, build, finance and provide facilities management services for the emergency department and critical care tower. The preferred proponent is expected to be selected in fall 2010.

 

“The level of interest shown by the private sector in this project demonstrates that Surrey is an attractive place to invest and do business,” said Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux.

 

“The evaluation committee did an excellent job in selecting three impressive teams.” said Dr. Nigel Murray, president and CEO of Fraser Health. “Our challenge now will be to select the team that demonstrates the very best in efficient and effective design, strong fiscal management, and a proven ability to maintain complex health-care facilities.”

 

 

The total project capital cost for the SMH project is estimated in the range of $500 million to $600 million. The project includes the new emergency department and critical care tower, to be delivered using the partnership model, as well as other project elements, such as the family birthing unit, to be delivered using the traditional model.

 

British Columbia’s health system will benefit from investments, such as the SMH Emergency Department and Critical Care Tower project, over the next three years as part of the $2.9-billion health sector capital plan. Construction on the new tower is expected to create approximately 3,760 jobs.

 

The RFP is available at: www.partnershipsbc.ca.

 

Fraser Health website: www.fraserhealth.ca/about_us/building_for_better_health/.

 

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Media contact:

Ministry of Health Services Public Affairs Bureau 250 952-1887 (media line)

Fraser Health Media Pager 604 450-7881

 

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