An expanded future for Victoria Hospital

Lyle Karasiuk, chairperson for the Victoria Hospital Foundation, said those who work in the building were excited with the announcement.

“Walking the hallway just this morning coming in, you can sense a buzz as the hospital teams are starting to talk about a new facility,” he said.

Karasiuk added the announcement is a good one not only for the city of P.A. but also the north and surrounding areas. He said the city and area outgrew the current hospital.

With the coming expansion, Karasiuk explained there will not only be more beds, but also more staff to provide care to patients.

“It means new opportunities, it means it will have a new excitement,” he said.

While the province has pledged to cover the entire capital costs related to the new project, the hospital foundation will have to work to come up with the money for equipment, furnishings and amenities. Karasiuk said the foundation is ready to get to work on this front.

“I look forward to being part of the project, as we look forward to raising the necessary funds to support the project,” he said.

Joe Hargrave said the province is not sure what funding model they will use to build the new facility. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Provincial government undecided on funding model

P.A. Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave said the announcement is another big one for the city and surrounding area. He said over the next number of years as work begins on the new $60 million indoor aquatic centre, the hospice and the hospital, the city and area will be an energized place.

“I look forward to an exciting time over the next couple of years as these things are getting built and developed,” he said.

Hargrave said the government does not yet know whether the new facility will be built using the traditional public building model or through a public private partnership (P3). He explained the decision on this front will be made after they’ve explored the most value-for-money option.

“We’ll see when it comes out of that,” he said.

The leadership of the PAGC was present for the announcement Friday. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

PAGC welcomes expansion

Brain Hardlotte, Grand Chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), said he thinks northern communities will be excited about the expanded hospital. He said while some communities have their own hospitals there are many occasions where they have to travel for care.

“In Athabasca we have the Stony Rapids Hospital that serves the people, but a lot of them get referred down South,” he said.

Hardlotte added the La Ronge hospital is currently a busy place and there is uncertainty surrounding the future of the hospital in Flin Flon, Man., which makes Friday’s announcement all the more welcome.

While making his remarks, Hardlotte spoke about how the PAGC is being consulted to make sure the facility’s design is a welcoming one for First Nations people. He said the PAGC being part of the process is important and they want to be partners working with the province and city.

“This is reconciliation,” he said.

Premier Scott Moe made the announcement in the Victoria hospital cafeteria Friday morning. (Micheal Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

P.A. hospital serves the northeast

Representatives from the northeast are also welcoming the plus $300 million addition. Todd Goudy, MLA for Melfort, said it was a great day. Goudy explained what happens in P.A. is important for people in his constituency.

“Prince Albert is a big community for the people of Melfort, it’s a bigger centre, a lot of us travel here for different services,” he said.

—

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn

by Michael Joel-Hansen

An expanded future for Victoria Hospital

What's Trending