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B.C.’s Health Minister was among the dignitaries at Royal Inland Hospital on Thursday to announce the completion of the construction phase of the facility’s new $417-million patient care tower.
Other dignitaries — including Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian, Interior Health CEO Susan Brown and MLA Peter Milobar, among others — were also on hand.
“The Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower is just a magnificent milestone for us,” Brown said during an event inside the tower’s new atrium.
“I remember thinking about what this could be and now it’s here, it’s come to fruition, and it’s going to be a wonderful addition to care in Kamloops.”
The facility is described as state of the art and world class. According to the province, the nine-storey tower was designed with direct input from local healthcare workers.
The facility features new operating rooms and surgical suites, more beds, respiratory therapy services and a new rooftop helipad that will streamline intake for patients being transported to RIH by helicopter.
Health Minister Adrian Dix said the project has been a long time coming — starting with the work of his predecessor, former MLA Terry Lake. Dix said the new digs will serve Interior patients well, while also serving as a recruiting tool for new healthcare workers.
“Our government is a proud supporter of this major project,” Dix said.
“When this new tower opens to patients in July 2022, residents in this region will have access to quality public health care in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.”
Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian said the milestone is a big one for the city.
“We are thrilled that the Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Tower at RIH has met this significant milestone,” he said.
“This is an important project for everyone throughout our region. Our city has been through a lot and we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact this hospital tower will have on the care of patients in Kamloops and across the region in the years to come.”
The tower is scheduled to welcome its first patients on July 18.
