Floor plans unveiled for 60 beds at Polson Tower

VERNON– Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid and Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster today unveiled floor plans that will finish the top two floors of Vernon Jubilee Hospital’s Polson Tower by adding 60 beds at a cost of around $29.6 million.

“Our government is committed to providing high-quality and accessible health services for all British Columbians, including patients who need hospital care in the Greater Vernon region,” said MacDiarmid. “Finishing the top two floors will greatly improve capacity at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, while also increasing patient comfort, privacy and safety.”

The 60 beds will be located on two, unfinished floors of the Polson Tower that were set aside with future patient needs in mind. Procurement is expected to begin in the next few weeks with a Request for Qualifications and construction beginning in fall of 2013. It is anticipated the two floors will open in summer 2015.

“Building capacity and increasing bed numbers at Vernon Jubilee Hospital has been my top priority since I was first elected in 2009. Since then, I’ve been working together with the health minister and local residents to help make it happen,” said Foster. “This is great news for patients and families, and it is the result of dedication and hard work.”

Of the 60 beds, 14 will be new and the remaining 46 will be relocated from elsewhere in the hospital. The beds will be used primarily for single-patient rooms. Previously, they were located in four-bed and double-occupancy wards. Today’s announcement will see the total number of beds at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital increase from 140 regular and eight temporary beds (148 total) to 162 beds.(more)