PRINCE ALBERT — Prince Albert’s Victoria Hospital will be getting a $300 million-plus expansion.
The province announced the project on March 6. The approved project concept includes a new acute care tower, replacement of the existing adult mental health space and renovations to the current facility.
“We are moving forward to address the health care needs of our growing population in Prince Albert and the north,” Premier Scott Moe said. “This significant investment reflects the importance of Victoria Hospital in providing a wide variety of health services, not only to people in Prince Albert, but to patients and clients across northern Saskatchewan.”
The project is anticipated to increase the number of beds in Victoria Hospital to 242 on opening day, up from the current 173 beds, an increase of 40 per cent, with space to expand further as needed. It includes a larger emergency department, a helipad and enhanced medical imaging services, including an MRI.
The province will pay 100 per cent of the capital cost of the project. The local community and Victoria Hospital Foundation will raise funds for furniture and equipment.
“Prince Albert is a major hub of essential health care services for the north central region of Saskatchewan,” said Greg Dionne, Prince Albert’s mayor. “Victoria Hospital is an aging facility. We welcome new funds that will improve our capacity to respond to the health care needs of our residents.”
The opposition New Democrats are calling on the government to not develop the hospital under a public-private partnership model, citing the problems seen at the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford, some of which include non-potable water, and a need to redo the walls, roof and plumbing.
“This P3 model isn’t working for North Battleford, and it won’t work for the promised hospital in Prince Albert,” said Vicki Mowat, the NDP’s health critic.
The government said the next step in the project is to develop detailed designs in consultation with key partners.
