Recent History – 1998
By Daily News Staff, Dec. 29, 1998
The Chetwynd General Hospital received a Christmas present from provincial Health Minister Penny Priddy last week. Priddy announced a $907,779 upgrade intended to allow seniors receiving extended care to remain in their community even as their health care needs change.
“This project affirms our government’s commitment to helping seniors to remain in their communities as they receive continuing care,” said Priddy.
Chetwynd General Hospital currently has 18 acute care beds. This project will reallocate these beds, ensuring the health care needs of the community are better served. During the upgrade, seven beds will be converted to multi-level care standards, which means seniors will be able to remain in the facility as their needs change. One bed will be converted for palliative care. As part of the upgrade, the hospital will also convert the current delivery room into a labour delivery post-partum suite, to ensure safety and comfort for mothers and babies in the critical times just before and after birth.
“This upgrade allows the hospital to make the birthing process much more comfortable, safe and natural,” said Priddy.
During the upgrade, sprinkler systems will also be installed throughout the hospital, increasing the level of safety in the wood-framed building. The upgrade is being cost-shared by the Ministry of Health and the Peace River Regional Hospital District. The ministry will cover 60 per cent of the cost, while the Peace River Regional Hospital District (PRRHD) will provide the balance.
“We are pleased to partner with the Ministry of Health on this important project, which will improve care for the residents of Chetwynd and area,” said PRRHD chair Karen Goodings.
“This is another step in the development of Chetwynd General Hospital, as it evolves to meet the changing needs and priorities identified by the community,” said South Peace Community Health Council chair Sheila Barnes. “The residents of Chetwynd and the health council have worked very hard to make this project a reality.”