North Island MLA, Claire Trevena, is continuing to push for extra beds for the new hospital in Campbell River.
In a letter to the Minister of Health, Trevena has suggested using part of the current hospital to provide some extra space.
“There is no question we need our new hospital, but everyone is concerned that it will be overcrowded as soon as it opens its doors,” said Trevena.
“And we have very many needs. We desperately need hospice beds in Campbell River; we will always likely need extra space for seniors, there are short term needs which can be met. My suggestion to the Minister is that we retain part of our existing hospital for these and other services.”
Trevena is making the suggestion ahead of the final decision on who the successful proponent for designing and building the new facility in the hope that it can be integrated into the planning process.
“Not all of the existing hospital is old and it makes no sense to tear it down completely if we need the space it provides,” said Trevena.