A $10.4 million expansion project will bring improvements to emergency department patient care and privacy at Lady Minto Hospital. Capital costs for the project are being shared by the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, which has pledged $7.4 million, and the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD), which will contribute $3 million.

“We know that upgrades are needed to allow Lady Minto Hospital and its dedicated staff to continue to provide high quality care for Salt Spring Island residents,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This project will greatly enhance patient-centred care for this region, providing patient privacy and the opportunity to provide more specialized treatment including for mental health and substance use.”

“Island Health is grateful the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation and the CRHD have committed to funding this important expansion at Lady Minto Hospital,” said Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health. “This project will help support excellent healthcare for Salt Spring Island residents for years to come.”

The project involves construction of a new 420 square metre (4,500 square feet) emergency department that will double the number of acute and primary care patients that can be treated at one time, a mental health and substance use treatment room, a medication area, dedicated triage desk, nursing/team care station with sight lines to all assessment and treatment areas, ambulance bay, decontamination site, accessible washrooms, and expanded patient and family waiting area.

In support of a culturally safe space, design elements of the project may incorporate Indigenous influences into artwork, furniture, fixtures and equipment to ensure spaces are welcoming to everyone who seeks medical care.

“The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation is delighted that this much needed expansion to the hospital is going ahead,” said Dave Taylor, board chair, Lady Minto Hospital Foundation. “The community has generously donated over the years and responded enthusiastically to the recent Emergency Department Redevelopment campaign to make this project a reality.”

“The Capital Regional Hospital District is excited to provide capital funding to the Lady Minto Hospital emergency department redevelopment,” said Gary Holman, Capital Regional District Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director. “This project has been in our capital plan for some time and we are pleased to see the facility will be upgraded to better meet the needs of Salt Spring Island.”

Donate online now to support the build of the new Emergency Department at ladymintofoundation.com/lifeline