Minister of Health Services Kevin Falcon was joined today by Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett and other guests, to announce the official opening of 14 new residential care beds as part of a 29-bed expansion at Fischer Place/Mill Site Lodge.
“This expansion and introduction of 14 new beds will give 100 Mile House seniors more access to appropriate housing and health-care services within their community,” said Falcon. “This is a great example of the work we are doing across B.C. to provide our seniors with more choices for care and improved access to services.”
Fischer Place/Mill Site Lodge originally consisted of 65 residential care beds. The addition of a new two-storey wing at Fischer Place introduces new beds on the second floor, bringing current capacity up to 79 beds, with future capacity totalling 94 beds.
“With the expansion of Fischer Place/Mill Site Lodge we are investing in the future of this growing region,” said Barnett. “Seniors are an integral part of our community, and we recognize the importance of providing housing and care options that allow seniors to remain as close to their home communities and families as possible.”
Funding for the $7.2 million addition to Fischer Place/Mill Site Lodge, located at the South Cariboo Health Centre, is being shared as a 60/40 split by the Province of B.C. through Interior Health and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD). The South Cariboo Health Foundation also raised $25,000 to purchase equipment for the safety and comfort of Fischer Place/Mill Site Lodge residents, including specialized wheelchairs.
“This expansion represents another step forward for residential care in this region. In addition, our staff will benefit from an efficient, modern design that will enhance the way they deliver care,” said Norman Embree, Interior Health chair.
Residential care is provided to seniors who can no longer live independently and need around-the-clock nursing care in a home-like environment. Fischer Place/Mill Site Lodge provides residents with full wheelchair accessibility, appropriate space for clients and caregivers, comfortable dining and activity areas and in-room patient lifts and other support devices. Fischer Place/Mill Site Lodge is centrally located, adjacent to the 100 Mile & District Hospital.
“The Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District is proud to have played a role in helping to bring this project to fruition,” says CCRHD chair Rick Mumford. “This project has clearly demonstrated what can be accomplished by provincial and local governments, and agencies working in collaboration. This expansion project now provides a comfortable and contemporary facility for our South Cariboo seniors and future generations.”
The Province’s investment in residential care and assisted living is expected to exceed $1.7 billion in 2010-11 – a 47 per cent increase since 2001. Since June 2001, the Province has opened 6,327 net-new beds and units and built a total of 13,780 new and replacement beds and units across B.C.
Since 2002, the Province has invested over $1 billion on capital projects within Interior Health. Over the next three years, British Columbia’s health-care system will benefit from investments such as new medical equipment and modernized health facilities as part of a $2.4-billion, health-sector capital plan.
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