Burns Lake, B.C. – The  promised new hospital for Burns Lake has taken another step forward. Today, the Provincial Government  issued a Request for Qualifications for the design and construction of the facility.

The facility will replace the existing Lakes District Hospital which was built in 1960.

The new facility will have space for up to 16 beds, provide acute care and emergency services, diagnostic imaging, a laboratory and pharmacy. Facility  space is planned for the delivery of mental health and addictions  services, including administrative and logistical services.  

The RFQ process will lead to the short listing of teams who will be invited to submit a Request for Proposals.  Northern Health expects to make a final selection by March of next year, and the new facility to be completed by the summer of 2015. 

The total value of the new hospital is estimated to be in the $50 million to $55 million range. Funding will be cost-shared by the Province and Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District.