PORT HARDY—The long-awaited integrated health clinic promised for Port Hardy moved a step closer to reality last week when Island Health announced a Request for Proposals to construct a new, 4,700-square foot facility adjacent to Port Hardy hospital.
Meanwhile, Island Health is consulting with Port Hardy-area First Nations, community leaders, physicians and other health care providers to review the preliminary design for a new medical clinic to be built adjacent to Port Hardy Hospital.
“The new Port Hardy medical clinic will help support the delivery of integrated health care to residents of the Mount Waddington region and is a much-anticipated addition to the range of services available to the community,” said Health Minister Terry Lake.
The building, with a projected cost of $1.6 million, will include 14 patient/clinic rooms and provide space for physicians, nurse practitioners, allied and support staff and visiting specialists to offer a range of services.
“This facility will provide a well-equipped clinic, help us attract and retain high-quality health care providers and reduce pressure on our hospital emergency department,” said Port Hardy Mayor Bev Parnham.
“Most importantly, the new facility combined with our innovative model of rural health care delivery will go a long way toward improving the health and well-being of our North Island residents,” she said.
A Request For Proposals for a qualified general contractor to act as construction manager for the project is posted on the BC Bid website, www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca (Document number: 13DCNI24‐RFP‐CM). Proposals will be received up to 2 p.m., Feb. 13.
The preliminary design for the clinic calls for a 437 square metre (4,700 square feet), single-level building on the northern side of the Port Hardy Hospital property.
Construction of a new facility is preferred over an option that had been considered to add modular units to the existing Port Hardy Medical Clinic on Thunderbird Way. The new building can be constructed without disrupting functions at the existing medical clinic and allow for close proximity to the hospital for clinicians. It will also allow for expansion to include integrated community services for the region.
“The clinic supports our goal of providing integrated primary care to Mount Waddington residents,” said Alison Mitchell, Senior Manager for Rural Health Services in Mount Waddington. “This approach allows patients to access a range of services in one location and promotes increased collaboration among multi-disciplinary care providers.”
Nurse practitioner Chaundra Willms is looking forward to working in the new facility which will facilitate collaboration and communication among the clinic team and community partners. “The design indicates more space for health care providers and patients, as well as allowing greater opportunities to welcome students and visiting specialists,” she said.
The design process is expected to be completed by late February, followed by a traditional First Nations blessing ceremony before construction begins in April. The building is projected to be completed in September 2014.