A proponent has been chosen to participate in the next stage of the redevelopment planning for Cariboo Memorial Hospital (CMH).
According to Interior Health, five consulting companies responded to the CMH Redevelopment Request for Proposal (RFP), which closed Oct. 9, to develop a Concept Plan for CMH redevelopment priorities, including a new inpatient unit.
Following evaluation of the responses, the successful proponent was CEI Architecture.
“By moving forward with this next step we are getting closer to future expansion at Cariboo Memorial, as proposed in the Master Site Plan,” said Interior Health Board Chair Norman Embree.
“Interior Health believes the future redevelopment of the hospital is important, because of the role it plays in the provision of acute health care services for Cariboo Chilcotin residents.”
The Concept Plan will provide a summary of the capital and operational requirements specific to the scope of the project, which envisions construction of a new inpatient unit at CMH, along with renovations to the ambulatory care, emergency, and pharmacy areas.
The consultant’s work will include preliminary drawings and space requirements, taking into account the needs of programs within the hospital.
This is one of several steps involved in the necessary planning for future expansion.
It is estimated the cost of the planning will total approximately $600,000, to be cost shared 60/40 per cent between Interior Health and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD).
“I am confident the redevelopment of the Cariboo Memorial Hospital will greatly improve the availability and array of services offered to patients,” said CCRHD Chair John Massier.
“This project will ensure residents will have access to the best possible care in a beautifully updated facility with the latest in technology.”
It is anticipated that CEI Architecture will complete work on the plan by spring 2014.
The CMH Master Site Plan, which was funded exclusively by the CCRHD, was completed in February 2011 and identified redevelopment of the inpatient unit as a key priority, along with Emergency Department, Ambulatory Care, and Pharmacy renovations.
Upgrades for the CMH have been in the works for years.