Vancouver Coastal Health is embarking on one of the most complex hospital expansions in B.C. history. Sixteen new state-of the-art operating rooms will be built on the third floor of the Jim Pattison Pavilion at Vancouver General Hospital. Completion is scheduled for 2021. The Province of BC is committing $34.8 million, Vancouver Coastal Health will provide $47.6 million and the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation will contribute $20 million, for a total of $102.4 million. The project also includes a 40-bed pre- and post-operative unit, new equipment and technology, new communication systems, and upgraded infrastructure. VCH President and CEO Mary Ackenhusen was on hand for the media announcement at VGH, and thanked staff and surgeons for the work they do every day.

Meeting surgical needs for years to come

Dr. Marcel Dvorak

Dr. Marcel Dvorak, Senior Medical Director Vancouver Acute, says the expansion will enhance VCH’s  surgical capacity to meet current needs and position us to accommodate growth and technology in the future. He says many of our current operating rooms are 30 years old and simply cannot accommodate new technology and equipment. Adding more operating rooms will ensure patients from throughout B.C. get the surgery they need, when they need it.

Michaela Baer

Helping to ensure patients get the surgery they need

The number of surgeries performed at VGH will increase from 16,800 per year to more than 19,000 per year – an increase of 2,200 surgeries annually.

“I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I didn’t have access to the care I received at VGH,” says Michaela Baer. Michaela was diagnosed with a rare cancer in her cervical spine in 2012. “For me the risks of surgery were huge, but I felt at peace heading up to the OR due to the expertise of my care team.” Michaela underwent 22-hours of surgery.

Video

Partnering with the Province and VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

Our world-leading surgeons deserve world-leading operating rooms. The partnership between government and philanthropy enables us to provide just that. We could not be more proud than to support such an important endeavor, for today and future generations. ~ Barbara Grantham, President and CEO of the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

Related link

VGH OR expansion our legacy to build