New 306-bed long term care facility coming to Lantzville

Dix said a new long term care facility is what the Nanaimo and surrounding region needs “more than anything else”.

He also added the 306 beds are “net new”, meaning no existing facilities will be shuttered as a result.

“We need in long term care to work on ensuring people have their own rooms because it’s their homes, it’s not just a healthcare facility. We have to make sure long term care beds are better, safer and more modern.”

Dix said the province is playing catchup from a “generational failure” to fund long term care and create spaces, with 17 public facilities currently in operation built before 1970, while 45 are pre-1980 construction.

Residents at the new site will live in smaller groups with the facility mimicking the wider community, according to Dix.

“People will be able to have facilities where they stay close to home because we have a new long term care home that meets the needs of people in the community. That means people living together in neighbourhoods, or pods, of 12, living together in long term care homes that feel like neighbourhoods as challenging as it can be for people living in long term care.”

Four main buildings are envisioned, which will include single bedrooms and ensuite washrooms. Residents will share social and recreational spaces, such as a dining room, lounge areas and outdoor spaces.

Also included at the new facility will be an adult day program to provide services for those still living independently.

Dix praised support from local municipal governments, as well as the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District (NRHD) for their work in supporting and campaigning for additional healthcare resources in the region.

Ian Thorpe, NRHD board chair, said this facility will have ripple effects for healthcare in the region, including improving care at Nanaimo hospital.

“A shortage of long term care beds in this region, together with long wait lists have resulted in the use of acute care beds within Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, for people that would be better cared for in specialized facilities dedicated for their long term needs,” Thorpe said.

He expanded on how the long term care facility will improve quality of care, health outcomes and experiences for senior in the region, along with their families.

“It will increase capacity here at the hospital, it will enable seniors to move out of the hospital and allow them an opportunity…to age with dignity and with appropriate care.”

Capital cost estimates for the care facility are at $286 million, with the B.C. government’s share via Island Health coming in at $171.5 million, while NRHD is supplying $114 million.

The facility will be built, owned and operated by Island Health.

Adrian Dix (left) made the announcement Thursday, flanked by Nanaimo MLA Sheila Malcolmson and chair of the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Ian Thorpe (right). (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

New 306-bed long term care facility coming to Lantzville

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