Foundation-funded, phase one of new maternity ward delivered on time and on budget
Phase one of the community-funded, new maternity ward at Peace Arch Hospital has been completed on time and on budget. Beds and equipment are being moved in over the next few days, with deliveries expected to begin in the new birthing rooms early next week. Phase one of this $5.3-million project includes four of eight single-family birthing rooms and the Thrifty Foods education room. The remaining four birthing rooms and the balance of the ward are scheduled to open in December 2010.
Spacious, at about 400 square feet, each single-family birthing room offers privacy, features an efficient, modern design and includes concealed, state-of-the-art technology, a private bathroom with a tub, a place for a dad (or a companion) to sleep, a flat-screen TV and an ocean view.
Completion of phase one signals the beginning of the transition to an entirely new level of family-centered maternity care and comfort for this community. Once completed, the maternity ward will be 50 per cent larger and have almost three times the birthing capacity of the current/old ward.
“When Fraser Health approached the Foundation with a request to fund a new maternity ward at Peace Arch Hospital, we didn’t hesitate,” said Dragana Sanderson, Foundation Board past chair and project champion. The community had told us that it is not acceptable for four women and their families to share one room. And it is not okay for dads to sleep on the floor in an already crowded recovery room. Clearly, it was time to build a bigger, better maternity ward and to make it one of the best in the Lower Mainland.”
To date, the appeal has raised $4.25 million of the $5.3 million goal, with the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society making a lead gift of $1 million. The final push is on. This is a generous community and the appeal is close to the hearts of both families and organizations. The Foundation is confident the remaining funds will be secured by December 2010 in time to celebrate the opening of the new ward. To make a donation, please visit www.peacearchhospital.com and click on the donate now button or call 604.535.4520.
The maternity project is one of five priority projects in the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation’s $32-million Partners in Caring Campaign, launched in 2007.
