Fort St. James, B.C., is set to unveil its newly constructed hospital, marking a significant advancement in health care for the local community and surrounding areas. The new facility, located at 606 Stuart Dr. E, officially opens on Monday, January 20, 2025. This modern hospital, which is three times the size of its predecessor, replaces the outdated facility that has served the community since 1972. The new hospital represents a substantial investment in the region's health and well-being and promises enhanced access to health care in state-of-the-art surroundings.
The previous hospital, with just 12 beds and limited emergency services, had long been inadequate to meet the growing demands of the community. Lacking a decontamination room or a dedicated triage area, it struggled to provide comprehensive emergency care. In contrast, the new hospital boasts an expanded emergency department that includes two treatment rooms, a trauma bay, and an ambulance bay. The facility now accommodates 27 beds, comprising 18 long-term care and nine acute-care beds, significantly improving patient capacity and service delivery.
The journey toward this transformation began in 2008 with discussions about replacing the outdated hospital. The project culminated in a total capital cost of approximately $158 million. Funding was secured through a collaborative effort, with the Province contributing nearly $140 million via Northern Health and the Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District providing over $18 million.
“Families will receive better access to care closer to home at the new Fort St. James hospital starting tomorrow and for many decades to come,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure.
The opening of this new facility is a landmark achievement in the government's ongoing commitment to enhancing health care infrastructure. Minister Ma emphasized the importance of prioritizing access to health care by building hospitals and health-care centers that deliver essential services directly where people live.
“Improving access to health care is a priority for our government and that’s why we’re building more hospitals and health-care centres to deliver the services people need,” stated Bowinn Ma.
“The opening of the new hospital is a vital step forward in ensuring patients get essential medical services close to home and not have to travel to places further away like Prince George,” added Debra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health.
In developing the new hospital, significant efforts were made to ensure it is inclusive and reflective of the local Indigenous culture. First Nations communities were consulted throughout the design process, ensuring that the facility is welcoming for everyone. This approach highlights the commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness in providing health care services.
“This new facility represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing high-quality health care in the North,” said Colleen Nyce, board chair of Northern Health.
The integration of the current Fort St. James health center with the new hospital at the same address further consolidates health services for residents, streamlining access to comprehensive care.
“Families will receive better access to care closer to home at the new Fort St. James hospital starting tomorrow and for many decades to come,” reiterated Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.
