Sun Country Regional Health Authority (SCRHA) announced that additional long-term care beds will be added to the long-term care wing of the Wawota Health Centre as soon as possible.
Five beds in a separate wing of the facility were closed in June 2010 due to safety issues, infection control and staffing issues created by the beds' location in the health centre.
"We've listened to the community's concerns and found a solution that allows us to open more beds in a safe location," said Sharon Bauche, Chair, SCRHA.
"We have space that can be converted in the main long-term care section of the health centre which will provide enough space for more long term care beds. Our concerns over the location of the previous beds in the office area of the health centre are addressed. At the same time, the community's desire for additional long term care beds is recognized."
Bauche added, "We are anticipating a surplus for the 2010-11 fiscal year to cover the one-time cost of this conversion."
Renovations in the Wawota Health Centre will begin as soon as plans can be completed. The Region will engage professional services to determine the full costs, space requirements and construction time lines.
