Island Health’s North Island Hospitals Project has been recognized for its innovation and leadership in social infrastructure development.
The project was named the Silver Award Winner, Best Social Infrastructure Project North America, at the North American P3 (public-private partnerships) awards held on Oct. 8 in New York City. The awards were presented by Partnerships Bulletin, a UK-based publication that covers P3s globally.
“It’s great that our capital projects are receiving the recognition they deserve,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “We’re showing our leadership in creating a sustainable health system that allows for the development of innovative, environmentally-friendly projects that add value to the community.”
The $606.2 million North Island Hospitals Project – which includes a new 95-bed acute facility in Campbell River and a new 153-bed acute facility in the Comox Valley, was celebrated for its leadership in innovative financing, socio-economic benefits and environmental standards. It featured the first green bond issued in North America to fund a public-private partnership. Throughout construction, the project is expected to generate approximately 1,900 direct and 1,400 indirect jobs during construction.
“We recognized a need, championed for these new hospitals and today’s award shows just how positive the impact these hospitals will have on their communities,” said Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley. “The North Island Hospitals Project is going to have a great impact on this community once opened as well as for generations to come.”
“This award reaffirms that the North Island Hospitals Project continues to set new directions and standards in providing state-of-the-art health care to Island residents,” said Island Health Board Chair Don Hubbard. “Congratulations to all involved, and our thanks to the Province of British Columbia, the ministries of Finance and Health and Partnerships BC, for their continued support and guidance.”
The new hospitals will increase acute care capacity, improved clinical outcomes for patients, staff and physicians, while improving Island Health’s ability to recruit and retain physicians and other healthcare professionals.
“It’s great that the hospitals which will provide health care to residents of our region are continuing to be globally recognized for innovation,” said Charlie Cornfield, chair of the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District . “As our area’s population grows and health service demands continue to change, these two new state-of the-art hospital facilities will deliver high-quality acute care for years to come.”
The hospitals are setting new environmental goals. They have been designed in accordance with the BC Hydro Power Smart Program, which requires improved energy efficiency. The facilities have also been designed to maintain LEED Gold Certification energy and greenhouse gas emissions targets, operating period sustainability requirements and support British Columbia’s commitment to incorporate wood products into the project design and construction of the facilities.
“Island Health is very pleased to accept the Best Social Infrastructure Project award from Partnerships Bulletin,” said NIHP Chief Project Officer Tom Sparrow. “This recognition once again validates the tremendous efforts from so many people at Island Health and Tandem Health Partners working in partnership to bring a new standard of acute health care design and programming to mid- and north Vancouver Island residents with these new hospitals in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.”
For more information about the 2015 North American P3 awards visit: http://p3awards.partnershipsevents.com/
For more information on the North Island Hospitals Project visit: http://nihp.viha.ca/