DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - Construction of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital is nearing completion, with project officials shifting their focus from building work to operational readiness, staff training and move planning, ahead of the facility’s opening.
Exterior concrete work has been completed and landscaping is underway. The final layer of asphalt is expected to be installed in August.
Inside the hospital, most architectural construction work is finished. Crews are now completing equipment installations, furnishing spaces and preparing departments for operations.
Building systems including power, lighting, fire alarms and medical gases are also undergoing testing and commissioning to ensure they are operating safely before the facility opens.
STAFF PREPARE TO MOVE
Project leaders say a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work is underway to prepare staff and services for the transition to the new site.
Clinical and operational teams have been reviewing workflows, patient care processes, room layouts and equipment locations, while facility activation efforts focus on equipment testing, technology commissioning, supply stocking and workspace preparation.
Staff, physicians, volunteers and support teams are also beginning preparations through an Orientation, Training, Simulation and Implementation plan.
The training program will include simulation exercises and “Day in the Life” scenarios designed to help teams test workflows, communication systems and emergency response procedures before opening day.
Health Care Relocations, a consulting firm supporting the transition, has been working with hospital leaders to develop detailed department-specific move plans and coordinate the relocation of equipment, supplies and patients.
A patient transfer rehearsal is expected to take place approximately two months before the hospital opens.
Officials say the Patient Transfer Committee has been developing protocols covering transportation, medication management, infection prevention, patient identification, communications and emergency response to help ensure patients can be transferred safely.
DEMOLISHING OLD HOSPITAL
Planning has also begun for the eventual demolition of the existing hospital once services move into the new facility.
Staff from Stantec recently completed site surveys to support detailed demolition plans, with a demolition tender expected to be released this fall.
The new hospital will feature private inpatient rooms, family gathering areas, a non-denominational spiritual room, landscaped outdoor spaces, a gift shop and a public café near the main entrance.
Northern Health has issued a request for proposals seeking a food and beverage operator for the café space, with submissions due July 31.
While Northern Health has not announced an opening date, the facility is expected to open in early 2027.
Project officials say testing, training and transition planning activities will continue in the months ahead as preparations for opening day move forward.