Funding has been approved for Interior Health (IH)'s proposed upgrades to the 100 Mile District General Hospital.
In a press release, the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) approved funding for wheelchair-accessible bathroom renovations, HVAC upgrades and critical water heating and ventilation system replacements at Fischer Place. The renovations will cost around $250,200, while the HVAC upgrades will cost around $350,000.
"The 2025/26 capital budget targets urgent and high priority items required to deliver health services to the people who live in the communities it serves," IH wrote in a Dec. 16, 2024 letter to Cariboo Regional District chief administrative officer Murray Daly. "Investments in our buildings and infrastructure are required to prevent system failures, safeguard reliable access to services and ensure the safety and comfort of patients and staff."
According to Kelly Dillon, a clinical operations director who oversees 100 Mile House for IH, the washroom upgrades will involve upgrading three inpatient washrooms to enhance infection control and accessibility for wheelchairs.
"It includes a new sink, accessible toilets, new surfaces and a larger space for all bathrooms," Dillon explained.
As for the HVAC systems, Dillon said it will upgrade an air conditioning system at the hospital which dates back to 1964.
"The upgrade will help improve the air quality and temperature stabilization in the building, and of course, lower utility costs," Dillon noted.
Lastly, the critical water heating and ventilation system replacements set to be at Fischer Place will benefit the South Cariboo Health Centre and will be done in phases.
"The phase replacement approach minimizes disruption, as each tank can be isolated, removed and replaced without major shutdowns to the domestic hot water system," Dillon stated.
The estimated time for when the upgrades will be completed will be by the fall of 2025 for the bathroom renovations while the water system upgrade is expected to begin in the summer of 2025. As for the HVAC upgrades, Dillon said that IH is waiting for a project schedule.
In addition, Dillon noted that IH has been asking and wanting to do those upgrades for several years.
Dillon said that the funding being passed by the CCRHD is a "fantastic collaboration and support."
"Always welcome to work together with the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District," Dillon said. "(We are) always happy to work together."
