May 10, 2005

DELTA – Premier Gordon Campbell announced today that a re-elected BC Liberal government will immediately invest the final $1 million needed to allow an expansion and renovation of Delta Hospital to proceed, ensuring better care for patients in Delta.

"The Delta Hospital Foundation has done an exceptional job in raising $5 million in donations toward the improvements to Delta Hospital," said Campbell. "The Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society had pledged to provide the remaining $1 million. If elected, a BC Liberal government will immediately advance the final $1 million needed, so that these improvements can proceed right away. This funding will expedite the upgrade and avoid the need for the society to raise the remaining funds, helping to improve care for patients in Delta."

The $6 million of improvements to Delta Hospital include the expansion and renovation of the emergency department, as well as surgical and ambulatory day care, the chapel and gift shop. In particular, the renovations will double the space available for day surgeries, and relocate day care areas, to improve services. At present, the day care area is located at the opposite end of the hospital from the operating theatres, necessitating a long and uncomfortable trip for patients.

Other improvements that the Fraser Health Authority has already made to Delta Hospital include:

• Maintaining 24/7 emergency room services, staffed by on-site physicians;
• Opening an additional third operating room;
• Adding a resident psychiatrist at the hospital and two new paramedics for Delta; and
• Increasing the annual number of surgical day care visits by over 750 since 2001.

The Fraser Health Authority has already committed to provide the staffing needed to operate the expanded emergency department and renovated hospital services.

"It’s because of the power of a strong economy that we're able to make these investments for patients," Campbell added. "I want to congratulate the hospital foundation, and residents of Delta, for their outstanding work in raising funds for these improvements."

The project will also further alleviate pressures at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Earlier today, the Premier announced a BC Liberal Government will also fast-track improvements to hospital facilities in Surrey, by immediately conducting a review to determine the best long-term hospital solution.